Nutrition Center Coordinator

Job Description

Job Title: Nutrition Center Coordinator

Summary:
The Nutrition Center offers resources designed to combat hunger and food insecurity in South Worcester. The Nutrition Center Coordinator is responsible for the daily operational and administrative functions. Works with pantry guests seeking food assistance, volunteers and cooperatively with other local relief agencies to positively impact hunger, food security and other related needs of the community.

Hours/Classification: This is a full-time (40 hours), non-exempt (hourly) position with benefits. Schedule is generally Monday – Friday, 1st shift. Food pantry distribution hours Mon 12 – 3:30, Tue, Thu, Fri 9 – 2.

Qualifications:

• Diversity of thought and inclusion; open-minded and competent working with diverse communities.
• Very strong preference for multi-lingual candidates, English & Spanish preferred.
• Ability to access and utilize translation tools and resources to maintain written materials in multiple languages as well as to communicate effectively verbally, in-person.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; effective and compassionate approach.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. High standard of excellence.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and customer service; compassion, ability to set ethical boundaries, trauma-informed, cultural competence.
• Experience in human services, food access, or other local social services & resources preferred.
• Strong computer skills, effective use of Microsoft 365 (Office, SharePoint, OneDrive).
• Experience with database management; aptitude for accuracy, running built-in reports, testing for accuracy of data, identifying trends, and determining how to garner needed information.
• Ability to work independently and with others
• Excellent time management skills, ability to multi-task and manage workload in a fast-paced environment; meet deadlines and ensure effectiveness and efficiency of food distribution
• Strong appreciation for the organization’s mission, values and approach, ensuring fair and equitable distribution of food, Continual Quality Improvement mindset.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire. CPR Certification required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire (agency covers cost)
• Preference for candidates who bring additional skills, capacity, and perspective that strengthen our ability to meet our mission such as: lived experience with food insecurity; racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity; community engagement; experience working on food justice issues; experience working within organizations on diversity, equity, and inclusion; leadership, and/or other relevant skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (by category)
General:

• Valid driver’s license, insurability under agency auto policy required.
• Willing and able to drive the company 15-passenger van regularly, transporting volunteers in van weekly on Wednesdays to Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB).
• Physical strength to lift and carry up to 50lbs regularly, endurance and mobility to perform daily routine which includes lifting/carrying a min of 25 lbs up and down a flight of stairs regularly; standing 40% - sitting 40% - walking/carrying 20%
• Demonstrate professionalism at all times when representing Jeremiah’s Inn
• Approach your work with an attitude of continuous quality improvement. This involves examining the processes to identify and eliminate problems in order to enhance program effectiveness and improve guest satisfaction.

Working with Pantry Guests:

• Ensure a clean, friendly, welcoming, and positive shopping experience for pantry guests.
• Provide exceptional customer service. Consistently employ respectful, inclusive, trauma-informed, and compassionate communication with pantry guests and stakeholders.
• Conduct guest intake including creating and updating electronic record
• Assess guest’s need of additional community resources & support, provide referrals accordingly (ie. SNAP, WIC, UI, and employment, parenting, financial, trauma, etc.).
• Actively promote equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups including BIPOC, LGBTQIA populations and people living with mental health challenges and disabilities.

General Pantry Operations:

• Manage planning and logistics related to the food supply; shopping, donation pickups, inventory, quality assurance, excess food disbursement
• Manage volunteer coordination, scheduling, training, supervision, support, and delegation of tasks.
• Keep pantry clean, stocked, well-organized, and prepared for scheduled and unscheduled inspections by city, state, and other agencies of oversight.
• Implement and operationalize “Supporting Wellness At Pantries” SWAP 2.0 Nutrition*
• Coordinate with case management team regarding resident volunteers
• Develop program structures and policies to ensure the Nutrition Center fulfills our mission
• Develop & maintain working relationships with outside agencies such as Community Harvest Project, Worcester County Food Bank,

Administrative:

• Prepare data and narrative reports for monthly reporting to the board of directors, communications coordinator and grant writers for internal and external use (ie. newsletters, grant applications, annual meeting) in a timely manner
• Prepare and submit required reporting to Worcester County Food Bank each month by the 15th
• Compile and submit food purchase data from WCFB invoices for bookkeeper each month
• Ensure accurate & consistent intake/service records in ERM system (Apricot)
• Evaluate data for trends and to aid in programmatic planning and evaluation (ie. inventory management and overall continual quality improvement)
• Maintain inventory, records and reporting in accordance with Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB), United States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), and MA Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) and funder requirements
• Stay up-to-date and informed on hunger related topics/events
• Develop recipes for food on hand, identify new and innovative ways to assist guests

• Organize Annual Food Drive; includes volunteer coordination and attending the event
• Participate in Hunger Network, Food Security Task Force & SNAP Coalition Meetings (virtual/in-person)
• Work with local colleges and agencies to identify potential volunteers; attend volunteer / intern fairs
• Compliance with WCFB Partner Agency Contract, funding & other partners / oversight agencies

Additional responsibilities:

• Participate in staff meetings and individual supervision meetings.
• Contribute to agency publications
• Active role in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; participate in learning opportunities, including a focus on understanding and dismantling racism and building cultural competency and cultural humility.
• Represent Jeremiah’s Inn with community stakeholders as needed.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned by Executive Director, Director of Operations or designee.

Working Conditions: Primarily works indoors, with some outdoor exposure to load/unload food, or other related activities. Fast-paced environment which can be crowded and noisy. Frequent typing, walking, standing, use of stairs, lifting and carrying.

Wages: $17 - $21/ hr. commensurate with experience (hourly, non-exempt), fringe benefits
Time Frame: Immediate opening.

Email Resume and Cover Letter to the attention of Dick Quinlan, Director of Operations
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• SWAP 2.0: -

Nutrition Center Programming:
Food Pantry:
The food pantry is at the heart of our Nutrition Center. Each year, we assist more than 10,000 people struggling with hunger and food insecurity.
Grocery Store Tours:
We partner with Cooking Matters to conduct tours of our local grocery store. During the tour, people learn how to read food labels, select healthy choices and stretch their shopping dollars to prepare healthy meals.
Cooking Demonstrations:
Several times each year, we conduct cooking demonstrations to help our guests learn how to prepare healthy, wholesome and nutritious meals. We also provide nutritious recipes
Community Garden:
The Camp Street Community garden is a collaborative effort that affords our pantry guests and residents of South Worcester access to 64 raised garden beds and the opportunity to grow their own food.

Agency Overview:
Jeremiah's Inn operates a 29-bed Social Model Residential Treatment Program for men in recovery from addiction, as well as a Nutrition Center which incorporates an Emergency Food Pantry and other related services and supports. "The Inn" is located in the Webster Square area of Worcester, MA and has been serving the community for over 30 years. “The House” is a second location in the Newton Hill / Elm Park area of Worcester. Here we offer safe, affordable, sober housing for men in recovery transitioning from treatment.
Mission statement:
Jeremiah's Inn uses a Social Model to provide residents with a safe environment in which to begin recovery. We foster a sense of community and mutual aid through partnerships, volunteerism and our Nutrition Center.
Vision statement:
Our vision is to help people better their lives in order to better the community.
Tagline:
Jeremiah's Inn uses a Social Model to provide residents with a safe environment in which to begin recovery.
Organizational Values:
At Jeremiah's Inn, we value professionalism, teamwork, community, and compassion. We want to make a difference and be of service to others.