Food Pantry Specialist

Food Pantry Specialist

Job Classification:

Non-Exempt Pay Rate: $19.00 p/hr Hours: Wednesdays 8am-6pm & Thursdays 9am-7pm

Position Overview

The Food Pantry specialist is responsible for supporting the operations of the food pantry distributions as well as assisting the Food Pantry Supervisor. This role includes providing logistical support, helping to manage teams of volunteers, and providing excellent customer service to pantry customers.

The Food Pantry Specialist is supervised by the Food Pantry Supervisor and works consistently with CHS staff from other departments. This position requires a blend of teamwork and autonomy to ensure the food pantry operates efficiently and effectively to reduce food insecurity within the city of Pittsburgh.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with food pantry staff, volunteers, and interns to accept, unload and properly store deliveries.
• Support distributions by ensuring volunteers are trained and customers are being served in a smooth and timely manner
• Troubleshoot any issues with pantry customers
• Make referrals to other programs, both within and outside of CHS
• Effectively communicates and coordinates schedule and responsibilities with supervisor and colleagues
• Completes lifting safety training and utilizes lifting practices, including the use of equipment but not limited to hand trucks/dollies. It is the employee’s responsibility to ask for assistance if unable to safely complete the physical work
• Assists with the ordering of food and supplies as needed on a weekly basis to support the pantry
• Meet internal and external reporting requirements for both donations and pantry customers

• Assists with the development and implementation of programming at the pantry
• Develops and maintains contacts and relationships with organizations and businesses in the community to maximize donation and volunteer opportunities
• Understand and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with the agency and program policies and procedures. Identify appropriate procedures for various situations.
• Complete all job duties in accordance with the mission and values of CHS.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Through a combination of experience and education, the Food Pantry Specialist will have:

• High level of professionalism when interacting with customer, volunteers, staff, and interns
• Knowledge and proper safety practices and standards of food transportation and handling
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional customer service communication.
• Computer literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record for insurance purposes.
• Pre-employment physical and TB screening with results stating person is free from communicable disease, at hire and every two years thereafter.
• Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal clearances.
• Cultural competence, being able to work effectively with all backgrounds.
• A working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience.
• A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to work and travel independently.

A high school degree or equivalent, or combination of work, education and life experiences approved by the agency and funder.

Position Physical Demands:

The Food Pantry Specialist will be called upon to engage in physical activity related to general office work, including the capacity to lift to 50 lbs. and stand or sit for extended periods.

*This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is not an employment contract. Our company reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.