AmeriCorps: Nutrition Program Assistant

Published on July 26, 2018

Application Deadline: EXTENDED -- CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Reports to: Program Manager

Nutrition and food insecurity go hand in hand.  For those struggling with hunger, food choices are often made based on price instead of nutritional value.  These choices can have long term consequences on overall health, obesity, childhood achievement, and so on.  To combat this Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry prioritizes nutrient-dense and protein rich foods, plus programs that help facilitate healthy eating. This position is crucial to that mission, ensuring that vital programing is available.

As part of this effort to focus on health and nutrition, the Nutrition Program Assistant assists with Social Services Program, oversees the Home Delivery program, Summer Meals program, and the Surplus Project.

Essential Duties:

  • Manage day-to-day operation of programs that include Home Delivery, Summer Meals and the Surplus Project to ensure they are adequately staffed with volunteers and have the necessary resources. 
  • Communicate regularly with program participants to ensure their needs are met.
  • Train, manage, and help volunteers pertaining to relevant programs. 
  • Create dietary plans and food menus alongside on-staff registered dietitians for applicable programs.   
  • Plan program logistics including delivery routes, volunteer schedules, and program enrollments.
  • Assist with data entry and analysis using Salesforce, Food Bank Manager, and excel.
  • Assist with program outreach and marketing
  • Complete required food safety handling, and program eligibility trainings, as necessary.
  • Ensure state and federal guidelines are met for eligible programs.
  • Develop programing for programs, including activity for kids of all ages at Summer Meals sites.
  • Meet ono-on-one with clients seeking guidance applying for federally/state funded programs.
  • Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma with 2-year’s related experience minimum. College Degree and related experience in community nutrition education, nonprofit management, program coordinator, public health, health sciences, community outreach, or volunteer management preferred.
  • Food sanitation licensure (or willingness and ability to achieve it once hired—fees paid by the Pantry)
  • Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work with and encourage interaction between people of all ages and abilities
  • Current driver’s license 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Must be a team-player and detail-oriented
  • Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus

Member Status and Hours: Full-time AmeriCorps Member; 1,700 hours to be completed within contracted timeframe.  Routine schedule Monday through Friday but must be willing to work occasional evening or weekend hours.  

Environment:  Multi-level work area: administrative offices/work space not fully accessible to the mobility impaired.  Must be physically capable of walking up and down stairs and be able to lift 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment.  Equal opportunity employer.

Benefits:

  • Living Allowance: $13,732 to be distributed in equal allotments every two weeks within the contract term.
  • Education Award: Upon successful completion of the member's term of service, the member will receive an education award from the National Service Trust in the amount of $5,730.
  • Health care insurance for the AmeriCorps member
  • Child care assistance if applicable.

To apply send a resume and cover letter to info@gobeyondhunger.org.