Now Hiring: Programs Assistant
Programs Assistant
Reports To: Programs Manager and Pantry Programs Manager
Supervises: Volunteers/Interns as requested
Status: Full-time, $17/hour, eligible for benefits
Beyond Hunger is harnessing the power of communities to end hunger. An award-winning direct service agency, we serve residents of 13 zip codes on the West Side of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Last year we provided critical food assistance and programming to over 40,000 individuals. Our energetic and fulfilling work environment is resourced by an operating budget of $4 million, 12 full-time staff members, 5 part-time staff, 4 full-time AmeriCorps members, over 1300 active volunteers—and possibly you.
We are seeking someone as passionate as we are about ending hunger. Someone who understands that groceries delivered to older adults’ homes and given to newly immigrated families provide comfort and nutrition to a vulnerable population. Someone who understands that maintaining inventory quality helps us provide the best foods to our community. By helping us reduce the food access barriers, this is your opportunity to play a vital role in creating a hunger-free community. This position is for you if you are a mission-driven team player with attention to detail, excellent time management, an excellent driving record, and knowledge of operating a non-CDL commercial van.
Job Summary: The Programs Assistant delivers packaged groceries to homebound seniors and disabled adults in Chicago’s West Suburbs and Austin community. They pick up and unload donated food from grocery stores and businesses to help increase our food inventory for clients. They will also pick up food purchases and assist with food distribution. They are responsible for gas maintenance of non-CDL commercial van during shift and reporting any van maintenance issues.
Major Responsibilities:
Individual Home Deliveries
• Load, unload, and deliver packaged groceries to homebound clients living in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, Oak Park, River Forest, and nearby west suburban communities.
• Review orders carefully and pay attention to detail to ensure that each client receives their correct order.
• Greet clients in a friendly and welcoming matter during deliveries.
• Teach Route Assistance Volunteers on home delivery route protocols, as assigned.
• Document and report clients who had successful and unsuccessful deliveries, as well as notes to help you on future routes.
• Confirm and report phone numbers and address changes with clients, as directed.
• Assist Program Coordinator with other duties, as assigned.
Pantry Assistance
• Maintain organization of Pantry per food safety regulations.
• Manage food procurement and documentation.
• Manage the off-site food distribution once a month (will involve working one Saturday per month)
• Communicate with volunteers to ensure a positive experience for both the volunteers and the agency.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Pantry Programs Manager to accomplish the purpose and goals of the hunger relief program.
Food Donations Pick-Ups
• Assist in the pick-up of food rescues and in-kind donations from various grocery stores and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods of Beyond Hunger as needed.
• Ensure food is handled with care when loading and unloading to prevent damage.
• Oversee and train volunteers as needed for deliveries, rescues, and donations.
Record Keeping and Van Maintenance
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records of all rescue pick-ups and deliveries, reporting any discrepancies to the manager.
• Complete daily vehicle inspections to ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of vehicle.
• Report and document any maintenance issues to the manager immediately, responsible for gas maintenance during shift.
• Check out and maintain all assigned Beyond Hunger equipment, such as dollies, totes, crates, and signature devices.
• Operate the vehicle according to all local, state, and federal regulations.
Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Have a valid driver’s license for at least 3 consecutive years with an excellent record.
• Experience operating a non-CDL commercial van is preferred.
• Food sanitation licensure preferred or ability to achieve once hired (Beyond Hunger will pay fees).
• Must be able to lift more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform all duties associated with a physically strenuous position.
• Ability to stay calm, communicate effectively, and resolve issues during shifts.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with and encourage interaction between people of all ages and abilities.
• Knowledge of Oak Park, River Forest, and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood highly preferred.
• Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus.
• Residents living in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood are encouraged to apply.
To apply: Send resume to Nina@GoBeyondHunger.org and Monnette@GoBeyondHunger.Org by April 30, 2023