Food Pantry Assistant

Catholic Charities Food Pantry Network

If you thrive in a non-profit organization where what you do makes a difference in the lives of others, then Catholic Charities is the place for you! With a refreshing culture that is supportive, collaborative, and encouraging of diverse perspectives and backgrounds why not join the Catholic Charities team!

The Catholic Charities Food Pantry Network serves the food insecure at four locations throughout Greater Boston and provides additional services to external partner organizations. The Food Pantry Assistant oversees smaller pantry operations and/or supports the Food Pantry Coordinator at a larger pantry. The Food Pantry Assistant provides logistical support to the daily food distribution center operations of the Food Pantry, including, but not limited to, logistics of the distribution, stocking and restocking of the food items, checking for expiration dates, sorting food items, and tracking inventory. The Assistant also performs other duties as needed, including picking up the food from other local centers, driving the truck, supporting volunteers, and compassionately rendering distribution of food items to the clients in our distribution centers, while maintaining personal and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Manages on-hand, incoming, and outgoing food inventory, ordering, donations, and transport preparation. Transporting food via van or truck, as necessary.
• Demonstrates strong professional skills and integrity, including in stressful and/or emergency situations; implements organizational and food pantry policies and procedures per the Director of Food Pantries; is proactive and enthusiastic. Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families experiencing financial hardships, mental illness, trauma, and from varied cultural backgrounds.
• Works well independently and as part of a team. Supports other pantries as needed, including traveling to other sites, participating in the physical demands of the role, and flexibly accommodating pantry or volunteer group needs (occasionally).
• Communicates sensitively and effectively with the clients, the public, colleagues, collaborators, volunteers, and other stakeholders verbally, or via email, texting, or other means as required. Maintains professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Meets with clients to check in or register them for the Food Pantry services.
• Inputs all client data and other related information into the required computer database(s) in a timely manner.
• Provides food service outreach information and responds to client needs in a calm and sensitive manner.
• Ensures that the operation of the food pantry, its equipment, facilities, and staff/volunteers meet all health and safety requirements and maintains a tidy and organized environment.
• Assists Food Pantry Coordinator as needed and assumes responsibilities in the coordinator's absence.
• Performs work primarily in a food pantry performing physical tasks such as lifting and reaching, with occasional work in an office setting.
• Attends and participates in required internal and external meetings and trainings.
• Local travel as necessary.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent vocational/technical training, or HiSet Certificate.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license with five + years of driving experience. Previous experience driving a 26' truck or larger required. A CDL is NOT required. Must be comfortable driving on highways and interstates. Maintains a safe driving record.
• Ability to remain on feet for extended periods during food pantry distribution times and restocking times.
• ServSafe certification preferred, willing to be trained in food safety for food handlers.
• Proficiency in additional languages preferred
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Basic computer and email experience with the willingness and ability to learn internal software systems for scheduling and inventory.
• The ability to bend, reach and lift 65 pounds without the use of an assistive device. Ability to safely operate a manual pallet jack, forklift, electric power jack, and loading lift.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Availability for occasional weekend or evening hours.

Our benefits are competitive and include a 403(b) savings plan and generous time off (benefits may vary based on position and scheduled hours). We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.