Food Pantry Specialist/Receptionist

ABOUT JFS

Jewish Family Service (JFS)is a nonprofit, social service organization that supports all Utahns as they navigate lifes challenges. Since 1872, JFS has strengthened individuals and families of all backgrounds through counseling, advocacy, care management, and community education.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Food Pantry Specialist/Receptionist is a dual-role position, with responsibilities divided between the food pantry and front desk . As the Food Pantry Specialist, this individual will manage inventory, support volunteers, and ensure that food is distributed efficiently and equitably to clients. This portion of the role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to food security. As the Receptionist, the individual will serve as the first point of contact for clientsgreeting visitors, answering phone calls, and supporting the Office Manager with administrative tasks. Success in this role depends on the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse community and balance multiple responsibilities with professionalism and compassion. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Track food inventory, including receiving donations, purchasing supplies, and tracking stock levels while ensuring that food is stored safely, and that expired or damaged items are properly disposed of
• Attend food distribution events, ensuring that clients receive the appropriate amount and type of food based on their needs
• Assist volunteers who help with food sorting, packing, and distribution while providing guidance and support to ensure a positive and productive volunteer experience
• Provide respectful and compassionate service to all clients including assessing client needs and referring them to additional services or resources as appropriate
• Maintain accurate records of food donations, distributions, and client interactions and assist in preparing reports for internal use and external stakeholders as needed
• Answer the main office phone calls and direct the calls as necessary
• Greet visitors, directing them to the appropriate staff
• Supporting the Office Manager with other assignments
• Other duties as assigned by the Food Pantry Coordinator

WORK HOURS, SCHEDULE & FLEXIBILITY

This position primarily works traditional office hours to meet the needs of the agency. Some evening or weekend hours may be required to support the agency.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERFACE

• Engage in respectful and ongoing communication and problem solving with others
• Successfully engage, coordinate and motivate agency staff to achieve program or project goals
• Ability to face adversity and help to de-escalate individuals who become upset regarding ineligibility for assistance or other matters
• Utilize strong analytical skills with the ability to recognize and understand complex issues while being able to circumvent and resolve those issues professionally; demonstrates flexibility and adaption when complex issue arise
• Build relationships and collaborate with community partners and resources
• Demonstrate cultural competency by communicating and working effectively with those from diverse backgrounds and creating and sustaining an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives can succeed

PROBLEM SOLVING AND JUDGEMENT

• Follow established procedures while being creative and taking initiative
• Take all practical steps to ensure a work environment that is safe, friendly, helpful and free from harassment or bullying
• Can meet deadlines and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Demonstrates commitment to accountability, outcomes measurement, process improvement, and a results-oriented culture
• Demonstrates ability to work independently along with willingness to seek help when needed

SUPERVISION

• This position does not provide direct supervision to any employees

REQUIREMENTS

• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Associate's degree in social work, public health, non-profit management or a related field or two years of food pantry, nonprofit work or community engagement experience
• Ability to pass a background and fingerprint check
• Valid Utah drivers license
• Reliable transportation
• Proof of current automobile insurance
• Ability to become insured under JFS upon hire
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to food insecurity and vulnerable populations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Positive attitude, proactive mentality, responsive, and strong work ethic
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills
• Must have excellent organizational skills

Employee must perform approximately 80% of essential responsibilities to qualify for classification in this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities of the position.