Food Pantry Specialist

Caritas of Austin • Austin, TX

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Food Pantry Specialist is an integral part of the Food Services program by providing quality groceries and basic needs items to Caritas clients. The primary role of this position is to perform the daily operations and client services of the pantry at Caritas of Austin’s downtown location. The Pantry Specialist will help coordinate donations, inventory, quality control, and ensures the pantry is in compliance with health and safety measures. In addition, the position works closely with Community Kitchen staff & Community Pantry Coordinator, providing support to pantry operations across multiple locations as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working with various software programs: word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Ability to multi-task and work in a high-stress environment.
• Strong customer service and experience working with diverse populations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to accurately maintain records and create spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respond to emails in a timely manner.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Food Handler Permit within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in pantry services and/or supporting diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong customer service and clear communication to clients, visitors, and colleagues.
• Develop and maintain appropriate working relationships with food services volunteers and donors.
• Distribute food and basic needs items to clients within established agency guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety standards.
• Educate clients and staff about other community food resources.
• Maintain pantry inventory by receiving, storing, and organizing food and supplies daily.
• Assist Community Pantry Coordinator in ordering, receiving, organizing, inspecting, and maintaining inventory in the Pantry in accordance with Caritas guidelines (i.e., weighing and checking expiration dates).
• Transport inventory items to & from storage and other pantries as needed.
• Maintain general cleanliness and organization of the Pantry area daily.
• Enter donation and food voucher data into database accurately and timely.
• Participates in Caritas food drives as needed.
• Attends all program and Caritas staff meetings.
• Provide training to new staff about pantry operations.
• Complies with administrative procedures, reporting, and record keeping functions as assigned (e.g., completing donation forms on all donated items).
• Demonstrates professionalism by treating clients, staff, volunteers, and members of the public with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
• Collaborates with supervisor to develop and complete an approved professional development plan, including participation in all required Caritas staff trainings.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure)
• 14 paid holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Mileage reimbursement
• monthly phone stipend
• discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield)
• parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
• Qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED