Food Pantry Assistant

Purpose:The Food Pantry Assistant supports TCAA's food access and agency operations by safely picking up, transporting, receiving, organizing, and distributing donated food, materials, and supplies. The position operates multiple agency vehicles, assists with Food Pantry operations, maintains food and transportation records, supports volunteers, and provides excellent customer service to clients, donors, community partners, and program participants.Supervision Received and Exercised:Receives supervision from the Food Systems Program ManagerEssential Functions:Food Pantry Operations 50% Receive, inspect, organize, stock, and rotate donated food and supplies. Maintain accurate records of food received, distributed, and stored. Package and prepare food for distribution to customers. Assist with food distribution and emergency food services. Follow applicable food safety, sanitation, storage, and handling standards. Maintain Pantry, warehouse, storage, loading, and distribution areas in a clean and safe condition. Track receipt of supplies and perform routine data entry. Assist with inventory organization and monitoring. Deliver food to customers or program participants when required.Grocery Rescue 50%Safely operate agency vehicles, including refrigerated vehicles, vans, trucks, and box trucks, as assigned.Pick up donated food and supplies from grocery stores, community partners, donors, and other locations and transport items to TCAA facilities.Transport food, materials, equipment, and supplies between agency and program locations.Load and unload food, materials, supplies, and equipment using appropriate safety procedures.Operate pallet jacks and other material-handling equipment as needed.When assigned and properly trained, haul and secure agency trailers and transport them between program locations.Complete scheduled routes and pickups in a safe, timely, and professional manner.Track mileage, routes, pickups, deliveries, and other required transportation information.Conduct routine vehicle inspections and end-of-day vehicle checks.Maintain the cleanliness of agency vehicles and promptly report maintenance needs, damage, traffic violations, or safety concerns.Transport agency vehicles or equipment for scheduled maintenance and repairs when necessary.Client, Donor & Volunteer SupportProvide welcoming, respectful, and responsive customer service to clients, donors, community partners, and program participants.Demonstrate compassion and respect when working with individuals experiencing economic hardship.Assist with front desk or client service functions when operationally necessary.Work alongside volunteers and volunteer groups and provide direction related to Pantry and food-handling activities as appropriate.Represent TCAA professionally while conducting pickups and interacting with external partners.Status/Hours:Full time – 35 hours (mornings and/or late afternoon shifts) subject to change based on operational needs.Compensation:$17.50 - $19.00 per hour based on experienceBenefits: At TCAA, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. To show our commitment to their well-being and professional growth, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and enhance work-life balance. Our key benefits and perks for most positions include, but aren't limited to:14 paid holidays annuallyAccrued vacation and sick time that increases with tenureEmployee Assistance ProgramSimple IRA with company match up to 3%Annual merit-based Increases after 9 months of employmentFlexible work schedulesPaid time off to volunteerMileage ReimbursementReimbursement of background clearance costs for entry-level positionsTCAA is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion and an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. The collective sum of the individual differences represents a significant part of our culture, reputation, and achievements. We believe that together, we can achieve greatness by embracing our differences and working collaboratively towards a common purpose.We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways - not just candidates who check all the boxes. We consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. We want people to feel comfortable expressing their true selves and to come, stay, and do their best work here.TCAA is an Equal Opportunity EmployerPhysical RequirementsAbility to frequently stand, walk, bend, twist, reach, push, pull, and climb into and out of vehicles.Ability to routinely lift and transfer at least 50 pounds.Ability to safely secure transported materials and equipment.Ability to work for extended periods in pantry, warehouse, loading, and outdoor environments.Qualifications/Experience One or more years of related experience in delivery, food pantry, warehouse, logistics, food service, or a similar environment preferred. Experience safely operating commercial or larger vehicles preferred. Demonstrated safe driving history. Ability to load, unload, organize, and transport food and supplies. Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and interruptions. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information. Pallet jack experience preferred. Trailer and trailer-hitch experience preferred if trailer transportation will remain part of the position. Bilingual English/Spanish skills desirable.Education:High School Diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.Licenses/CertificationsCurrent Arizona Driver's License and clean driving record.Food Handler Card or ability to obtain after hire.ServSafe certification or ability to obtain if required by TCAA.CPR/Basic First Aid or ability to obtain after hire.Ability to obtain required agency background and clearance requirements.Education:High School Diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education and experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tempe Community Action Agency