Job Title: Food Pantry Specialist
Department: Programs
Program: Community Access and Food Services
Reports To: Community Access & Food Services Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time
Position Summary
The Food Pantry Specialist is an integral part of the Food Services program by providing quality groceries and basic needs items to Caritas clients. The primary role of this position is to coordinate the daily operations and client services of the pantry at Caritas of Austin’s downtown location. The Pantry Specialist coordinates donations, inventory, quality control, and ensures the pantry is in compliance with health and safety measures. In addition, the position works closely with Community Kitchen staff & Community Pantry Coordinator, providing support as needed.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):
Client Services
- Provide strong customer service and clear communication to clients, visitors, and colleagues.
- Develop and maintain appropriate working relationships with food services volunteers and donors.
- Distribute food and basic needs items to clients within established agency guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety standards.
- Educate clients and staff about other community food resources.
Inventory and Maintenance
- Responsible for maintaining inventory in the pantry, ex. receiving, storing and organizing food and supplies daily.
- Assist Community Pantry Coordinator in ordering, receiving, organizing, inspecting and maintaining inventory in the Pantry in accordance with Caritas guidelines (i.e. weighing and checking expiration dates).
- Transport inventory items to/from storage, as needed.
- Maintain general cleanliness and organization of the Pantry area daily.
- Enter donation and food voucher data into database accurately and timely.
Organizational Support Functions
- Participates in Caritas food drives as needed.
- Attends all program and Caritas staff meetings.
- Provide training to new staff about pantry operations.
- Complies with administrative procedures, reporting, and record keeping functions as assigned (e.g. completing donation forms on all donated items).
Other Duties
- Treats clients, staff, volunteers and the general public with courtesy and respect.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Develops an approved plan for professional development, in collaboration with supervisor. This includes attendance at all Caritas staff trainings.
Qualifications:
Education
- Required – High school diploma or GED.
Experience
- Required – 1 year of related professional experience.
- Preferred – Prior experience in pantry services and/or working with diverse populations.
Language Skills
- Required – Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Additional Skills and Experience
- Ability to multi-task and work in high stress environment.
- Strong customer service and experience working with diverse populations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and part of a team.
Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office.
- Ability to use Microsoft Excel to record data & create spreadsheets.
- Ability to timely use email communication.
Other Requirement(s)
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid food handler permit within 30 days of hire.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
Salary/Benefits:
- Base Salary Range: $41,679 - $51,490.
- The salary offered will follow Caritas of Austin salary guidelines based on candidate's education and experience.
- 14 Paid Holidays per year.
- 10 days of accrued PTO in year one
- Retirement plan with employer match.
- Discounted Rates on Gold’s Gym and Legal Shield memberships.
- Mileage Reimbursement.
- Monthly Phone Stipend.
Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
