Now Hiring: AmeriCorps Food Services Specialist
AmeriCorps Member Job Description
*Beyond Hunger offers a number of cash incentives for VISTA and AmeriCorps members in addition to program compensation.
Job Title: Food Services Specialist
Program: Hunger Relief (Beyond Hunger)
Reports To: Pantry Coordinator
Works closely with: Sr. Pantry Programs Manager, Volunteer Talent and Inclusion Manager, Food Pantry Assistant and Programs Assistant
Supervises: Volunteers
Job Summary:
Food insecurity and poor nutrition go hand in hand. For those struggling with hunger, food choices are often prioritized based on an item’s cost, not its nutritional value. Thus, those who suffer from food insecurity are less likely to eat fruits and vegetables, less likely to get the calcium and protein they need, and more likely to have diets high in sugar and fat. In providing emergency hunger relief, Beyond Hunger aims to deliver the very items our participants need most: nutrient-dense and protein-rich foods. The Food Services Specialist is critical to the success of that goal by enlisting and managing community involvement in the procurement of these foods— including but not limited to retail vendors, congregations, civic groups, volunteers, and individual gardeners. The Food Services Specialist assists with program assessment by tracking the amount and nutritional content of food procured. To enhance consistent client access to nutritious food, the Food Services Specialist manages the volunteers who conduct food rescues, drives, deliveries, and distributions. By combining outreach and volunteer management, the Food Services Specialist helps volunteers be a part of the outreach process, thus further integrating volunteers into the service model.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Product/Resource Coordination:
• Supervise arrangements with vendors and volunteers for conducting the rescues
• Troubleshoot problems with food rescues and work to create mutually acceptable and beneficial solutions
• Assist with fresh produce, frozen meat, non-perishable inventory and food donations to supply food for 300 families on a weekly basis
• Manage the input and output of inventory for each food distribution, following FIFO
Volunteer Management:
• Supervise logistics for all food drives, compost and cardboard recycling, and storage needs for perishable rescued foods.
• Research new or unusual food waste management strategies
• Train and oversee volunteers to collect, sort, package, and display food for distribution
• Train and oversee volunteers to maintain a sanitary work environment and food handling best practices.
• Determine needs and supervise volunteers for food drive, food rescue, delivery and waste management (compost/cardboard)
General:
• Direct volunteers with set up for each food distribution
• Supervise food distribution by coordinating volunteers, ensuring proper food flow as well as providing families with friendly customer service
• Document all food received including donations, rescues and purchases
• Attend training and community meetings as approved by supervisor
• Maintain flexibility with time, tasks, and priorities
• Pursue a program of professional self-development including selected readings, seminars, and workshops
• Assume additional responsibilities as necessary or as assigned by supervisor to accomplish the purpose and goals of Beyond Hunger including orientation and cross-training in other Distribution activities
Qualifications:
• High School Diploma with 2 years’ relevant experience minimum. College Degree and related experience in nutrition preferred
• Food sanitation licensure preferred (or willingness and ability to achieve it once hired—fees paid by Beyond Hunger)
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Must be a team-player and detail-oriented
• Ability to work under pressure and with a wide variety of people
• Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus
Member Status and Hours:
Full-time AmeriCorps Member; 1700 hours to be completed within contracted timeframe. Routine schedule is anticipated Monday through Friday but must be willing to work 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.
PROJECTED START DATE OCTOBER
Please submit letter of interest and resume to Monnette@GoBeyondHunger.org. Include title of position in your email subject.