Food Pantry Assistant

Position Summary:
The Food Pantry Assistant completes daily assigned tasks to keep the Food Pantry operating safely and efficiently. This full-time position also assists the Food Procurement Director and serves as the primary van and box truck driver for grocery store pick-ups. The ideal Food Pantry Assistant will embrace IAM’s core values to serve those in need with compassion and respect.

Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Serves as the primary driver for pickups of donated and purchased items at local stores.
•    Assists the Food Pantry Manager with daily operations including unloading food, checking dates, stacking shelves, keeping the pantry clean, sorting produce and operating pantry food equipment.
•    Assists with Mobile Pantry from start to finish.
•    Assists with food distributor deliveries.
•    Serves as the backup IAM Door Ambassador when necessary.
•    Helps the neighbors in need IAM serves with Neighbor Choice Shopping if volunteers are absent.
•    Helps instruct, encourage and thank volunteers to help them feel highly valued and to keep them busy.
•    Completes any needed paperwork daily.
•    Participates in weekly staff meetings, IAM retreats and other required training and agency-related activities.
•    Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Experience:  Minimum of 2-3 years of work experience; experience preferred working with economically vulnerable populations and volunteers is preferred. Experience safely driving a box truck. Bilingual is a plus.

Education: High School degree education preferred or the equivalent of work experience and education. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree, a plus.
Skills:
1.    Must be able to operate manual and electric pallet jacks and a forklift.
2.    Ability to lift and move objects up to 50-60 lbs.
3.    Thrives in a team environment.
4.    Ability to complete assigned tasks on time.
5.    Ability to work in a fast-paced-environment.
6.    Strong communication and professional skills.
7.    Ability to assist in training volunteers.
8.    Ability to work with a diverse population.
9.    Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with the public, volunteers, staff and management in a respectful, courteous and collaborative manner.
10.    Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word and ability to learn new software.
11.    Possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
12.    Experience driving commercial vans and 26-foot box truck safely (commercial license not needed).
Work Relationship and Scope:
Reports directly to the Food Pantry Manager. This position interacts regularly with IAM staff, volunteers, neighbors (clients) and donors.  

Job Conditions/Work Location: Work performed in and around IAM’s Crisis Services Facility unloading, moving, packing, sorting and pallet moving. Some stationary work in an office environment using a computer and driving.

Physical Requirements: Requires walking, standing, sitting and lifting boxes up to 50 - 60 lbs., and the ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends, as needed. Ability to drive a fork-lift, van and a box truck.

Work Schedule: Sunday morning, three hours or less, Monday 8 a.m. – 4:30/5 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. – 4:30/5 p.m., Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. , Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30/5 p.m.

Benefits: Health insurance, generous paid days off, sick days and IAM contributions to a retirement plan for each employee after 90 days.