Intake Coordinator

Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Since 1937, JFCS Pittsburgh has been pushing what’s possible in human services—combining compassion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to dignity and justice. We partner with people across the region to navigate life’s changes and challenges, designing bold, responsive programs that meet real needs in real time. At JFCS, your work matters. You’ll join a team of passionate problem‑solvers and strategic thinkers who care deeply about people and aren’t afraid to rethink the way support is delivered. Here, creativity is encouraged, compassion drives every decision, and your impact is felt immediately in the community. If you’re looking for more than a job—if you want your work to spark purpose, connection, and meaningful change—JFCS is where you can make it happen. The Intake Coordinator serves as a new client’s first connection to JFCS food pantry services. Through an initial interview, this position will enroll individuals and families for food pantry assistance and evaluate whether the family may require additional assistance beyond the food provided through JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. The Intake Coordinator will serve as a liaison to JFCS staff by receiving referrals for clients in other departments who need pantry services. They will also provide referrals to the Success Coach Team for pantry clients who may benefit from additional assistance beyond navigation. In cases when a pantry client may need outside support but is not a good candidate for Success Coaching, the Intake Coordinator will help them navigate to the appropriate external referral source for support. The Intake Coordinator will assist in increasing awareness of JFCS services by assisting with community outreach events and participating in group volunteer events at the food pantry. The Intake Coordinator functions as a member of the pantry team and may be called on to assist with operational matters at times. Adaptability to a variety of cultures and the willingness to address a wide array of life challenges is essential for working with an already existing high-skilled, interdisciplinary team.

Requirements

Adaptability to a variety of cultures
Willingness to address a wide array of life challenges

Nice To Haves

Experience with Link2Feed database
Experience with telephone/app-based translation services
Experience in a food pantry setting
Experience with community outreach
Experience training volunteers

Responsibilities

Conduct intake interviews with new clients seeking help from the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
Input all client information to the Link2Feed database, ensuring it is accurate, up-to-date, and providing appropriate data for pantry operations.
Collect information about additional assistance that clients (new or existing) may need beyond food.
Provide clients support through navigation to external resources
Refer the client to the JFCS Success Coaching team for additional services or more rigorous case management assistance, when appropriate
Work with JFCS’ Success Coaching team to ensure that valid, updated referral lists are available for clients facing common needs that JFCS may not be able to help with directly
Work with JFCS volunteer team to identify and train volunteers to assist with client intakes
Develop protocols to train volunteers in pantry intake procedures, with attention to: Privacy considerations, Conversational techniques, Reasons we collect the information we ask for, Use of telephone /app-based translation services, Use of Link2Feed Database, How to make referrals to the Success Coaching team for additional services and assistance, And other details that contribute to successful, trust-building interactions with incoming clients
Use approved telephone/app-based translation services to conduct conversations with clients who have limited English Language proficiency
Monitor and identify trends in pantry clientele, including but not limited to: languages spoken, special dietary needs, and trends of the types of additional assistance that pantry clients seek.
Integrate with the multi-disciplinary Pantry team to assist with overall client and pantry needs, such as by: Receiving, evaluating, and documenting requests for pantry delivery services
Participating in community outreach efforts and/or group volunteer efforts on up to one evening and one Sunday per month.
Assisting with pantry operations as needed, in the form of front desk coverage, volunteer training, client shopping, food storage, and/or client shopping
Assist in development of program outcomes and other measures
Participate in JFCS professional development opportunities and organizational activities
Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor