Job Title: Food Pantry Specialist
Department: Programs
Program: Community Access & Food Services
Reports To: Community Access & Food Services Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time
Application Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all of the following:
- A detailed resume outlining relevant experience
- A cover letter tailored to the position
- A list of professional references
- A fully completed application
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Position Summary
The Food Pantry Specialist is an integral part of the Food Services program, providing quality groceries and basic needs items to Caritas clients. This position is responsible for supporting daily pantry operations and client services at both the Cairn Point location and the Caritas of Austin headquarters location, as well as providing support at additional pantry sites as needed.
Key responsibilities include coordinating donations, stocking and sorting inventory, monitoring quality control, and ensuring compliance with all health and safety standards. This position also works closely with the Community Kitchen staff and Community Pantry Coordinator to support pantry operations across multiple locations
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, and other Caritas pantries 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 Options
- 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
- Demonstrates professionalism by treating clients, staff, volunteers, and members of the public with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
- Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Collaborates with supervisor to develop and complete an approved professional development plan, including participation in all required Caritas staff trainings.
Qualifications:
Education
- Required – High School Diploma or GED.
Experience
- Required – Minimum of one (1) year of related professional experience.
- Preferred – Experience working in pantry services and/or supporting diverse populations.
Computer Skills
- Experience working with various software programs: word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Language Skills
- Preferred – Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to multi-task and work in a high-stress environment.
- Strong customer service and experience working with diverse populations
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Computer Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to accurately maintain records and create spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to communicate professionally and respond to emails in a timely manner.
Other Requirement(s)
- Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Food Handler Permit within 30 days of hire.
- Valid driver's license required.
Salary/Benefits:
- Base Salary Range: $45,490-$49,490, with final offer based on education and experience
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
- Time Off: 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure) and 14 paid holidays.
- Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
- Additional Perks: Mileage reimbursement, monthly phone stipend, discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield), and parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
- Student Loan Forgiveness: Caritas of Austin is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Learn more: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/
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.
