Customer Service Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Community Services Support Associate - Food Pantry/Customer Service Specialist
Location: Houston, TX 77054
Department: Office of Community Services
Reports To: Community Services Assistant Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Position Overview:

Join a dedicated team committed to empowering our community! The Community Services Support Associate - Food Pantry plays a vital role in ensuring that local residents have access to nutritious food and compassionate support. You will assist in the daily operations of the Food Pantry, overseeing inventory management, client service, food distribution, and compliance with required federal, state, and local regulations. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in community outreach, program coordination, and food security initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Food Pantry Operations: Support the safe, clean, and efficient operation of the food pantry, including stocking shelves, managing inventory, and maintaining cleanliness standards.
• Client Engagement: Register and enroll clients into the designated database system, assist walk-in clients with food basket distribution, and provide excellent customer service.
• Food Donations & Supply Chain: Collect, process, and record food donations; coordinate food deliveries to faith-based partners; maintain communication with vendors and suppliers.
• Inventory & Reporting: Conduct weekly inventory audits, track inventory levels, and report on food pantry activities. Manage the proper disposal of damaged or expired inventory.
• Program Support & Education: Assist in providing nutrition education and outreach to clients, empowering them to make healthy choices.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all activities adhere to federal, state, and local regulations; prepare required reports and maintain accurate documentation.
• Community Engagement: Represent the organization at outreach and community events, fostering positive relationships and promoting available services.
• Additional Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned to support the organization's mission.

What You Bring:

• Education & Experience: Associate’s degree preferred; High School Diploma or GED required with at least two years of experience in customer service or related roles.
• Technical Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 applications, client-tracking software, and social media platforms.
• Interpersonal Skills: Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills; ability to provide compassionate customer service.
• Organization & Multitasking: Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and remain stationary for extended periods, lift items up to 50 pounds, ascend ladders, and travel between work sites.
• Other Requirements: Reliable transportation to facilitate food pickups, deliveries, and community outreach.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Be part of a team that directly improves the lives of community members facing food insecurity.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for training, skill development, and career advancement within a supportive organization.
• Inclusive Environment: Work in a respectful, diverse, and welcoming atmosphere that values your contributions.
• Community Engagement: Represent the organization at local events and build meaningful relationships across the community.

Work Environment:

You will work across various locations including our food pantry, offices, warehouses, and outreach venues. The environment ranges from quiet to moderately busy, with a focus on safety and teamwork. Some tasks may require physical activity, including moving supplies and climbing ladders.

Essential Traits & Personal Qualities:

• People-person with a genuine desire to serve
• Adaptable and energetic
• Results-oriented and trustworthy
• Respectful and inclusive leader
• Critical thinker and decisive problem solver
• Servant-leader committed to integrity and continuous improvement

Qualifications:

• Educational Requirement: High School Diploma or GED (Associate’s degree preferred)
• Experience: Minimum of two years in customer service-related roles
• Language: Strong communication skills in English
• Physical & Travel Demands: Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, standing, and traveling as needed

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and clients feel respected, valued, and empowered. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Accommodations:

If you require reasonable accommodations to apply or perform this job, please inform us. We are dedicated to providing a supportive work environment.

Join us in making a difference! Apply today to become a key part of our organization's mission to serve and uplift the community.