(Full Time) Program Assistant - Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes

Rose Street Advisors•Kalamazoo, MI

33d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Assistant supports Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes' (KLF) hunger relief programs by assisting with the daily operations of the Melzer and Douglass pantries, Call Center, Caseworker Door, and, when needed, the Home Delivery Program. This role involves providing direct food assistance to the community, managing client interactions, coordinating with volunteers, and ensuring adherence to food safety protocols. The position requires working with diverse populations and maintaining professionalism in challenging environments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience.
1-2 years of customer service and/or social service experience.
Ability to work with individuals from all backgrounds, including those who may be experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse, and to deescalate situations if necessary.
Willingness to deliver to all communities and neighborhoods in Kalamazoo County when assisting with home deliveries.
Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to think creatively and show initiative to solve problems, both specifically and systemically.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment.
Demonstrates a sense of urgency, prioritizes well, shows energy, responds to opportunities, instills urgency in others, and meets deadlines.
Demonstrated experience with and ability to learn various computer applications.
Dedication to alleviating food insecurity in our community in a dignified manner.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a human services field, or equivalent work experience.
Ability to speak languages other than English, including Spanish, French, and Arabic.
Understanding of safe food handling procedures.

Responsibilities

Provide food assistance to the community in alignment with KLF's mission and values.
Assist in the Call Center by answering phones, establishing new client records, scheduling appointments, addressing questions and concerns from clients and community members, and managing escalated conversations.
Unpack and stock daily pantry and Caseworker Door orders.
Prepare food orders, check-in scheduled households, and load vehicles.
Prepare orders for caseworkers and other social service professionals.
Work directly with clients of all backgrounds to determine food needs and prepare food orders.
Work closely with volunteers, assisting with training and leading by example in daily operations.
Accept food donations from the community when scheduled at the Caseworker Door.
Assist with home deliveries as needed, which includes transporting food to scheduled clients.
Abide by the KLF standard food order as well as food safety protocols.
Work with individuals from all backgrounds, including those who may be experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse.
Maintain composure and professionalism when dealing with clients, donors, and volunteers, utilizing deescalation techniques when necessary.
Support other pantries and KLF programs as necessary.
Perform additional duties as assigned.