Distribution Assistant, Project SOUP, Somerville, MA

Interested in working in a dynamic, community-based food center utilizing innovative, collaborative ways to fight food insecurity and food waste? Project SOUP Community Food Center is hiring!

Community Food Center at the Somerville Homeless Coalition, Somerville, MA

General Summary:

Project SOUP Community Food Center is the food assistance program of the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Project SOUP is working to build a community where all people have access to food in a manner that promotes dignity and independence. Project SOUP serves over 300 food insecure Somerville families and individuals each month through our food distribution in East Somerville, Davis Square and our home delivery program. Our weekly community meal program has been active since 1969. Our
pantry members represent a diverse set of cultures, languages and circumstances. The Distribution Assistant is responsible for assisting the manager with all aspects of the operations of the Project SOUP Community Food Center program, centered in East Somerville.  Services include activities related to two food pantry distribution locations; grocery home delivery; community meals; coordinating volunteers; responding to requests for information; and, assisting with food recovery and inventory. Essential

Duties:

- Distribute a variety of food items and other essential products
directly to clients

- Set-up and clean-up of pantry, including lifting and
storing of heavy boxes

- Screen all clients for program eligibility

- Enroll new clients by completing all required paperwork and related documentation

- Ensure accurate reporting and ongoing compliance with funder requirements

- Organize food products and stock pantry shelves, refrigerators and
freezers

- Assist with quality control by ensuring all food products are
safe for consumption (e.g. checking expiration/use by dates, sorting
perishables, washing fresh produce, etc.)

- Adhere to all board of health and other food related safety policies and procedures - Oversee
preparation, distribution and clean-up of community meals, including
preparation of meals

- Assist with grocery home delivery for the disabled and homebound

- Assist in off-site food recovery efforts and food bank pick-ups

- Assist in shopping for food and supplies at various locations (e.g. Market Basket, Farmer’s Markets, etc.)- Assist in training and
coordinating volunteers

Other Duties:

- Perform computer related functions including email, data entry and word processing

- Answer phones and perform other clerical and administrative tasks

Position Qualifications:

- Communication skills to work effectively with clients, volunteers and community at-large

- Sensitivity to low-income, elderly, disabled and diverse residents

- Ability to work cooperatively with others

- Good organizational skills to work with minimal supervision

- Basic computer skills including email and database entry

- Certified (or willing and able to complete) in food services (e.g. ServSafe)

- Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply (Spanish/Portuguese/Haitian Creole languages
preferred)

- Valid Driver’s License preferred

Position Status:  Position is Part-Time; approximately 20 hours per week; hours vary but typically M-F; position is non-exempt; location varies, but primarily located in East Somerville

Essential Functions: - Must be able to see, hear, lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and sit at a desk to perform paperwork, writing and computer functions Somerville Homeless Coalition is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer

Please email cover letter and resume to jobs@shcinc.org
<jobs@shcinc.org> Thank you!*