Food Pantry

Overview:
**Location/Department**:Programs Department, Service Extension Unit Administration Norwich, CT Service Office (Norwich, CT)

**Status**:Non-exempt, Part-time

**Hours Per Week**:14 (hours will be increased during November and December each year)

**Schedule**:Tuesday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and Thursday; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (includes two 15-minute paid breaks per day)

**Supervisor(s)**: Social Ministries Director

**Supervisee(s)**: Volunteer(s)

**Scope & Purpose of Position**:Shall provide various material assistance to individuals in need, including food, personal hygiene items, holiday food and Christmas toys. Other material assistance (when funds are available) may include clothing and furniture vouchers, rent and utility assistance. Registration of children for the Salvation Army’s Youth Camp program, Camp CONNRI. Assist with recruitment of volunteers and promotion of the iconic Red Kettle Campaign.

**Responsibilities**:
**Essential Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Serve as a positive and professional representative of The Salvation Army.
- Oversee the office organization. Warmly greet individuals over the phone and in person. Maintain a clean reception area. Ensure client files are organized and secured in a locked file cabinet. Maintain a list of local resources for client referrals.
- Maintain confidential client files, including a record of services provided and case notes in the computer database, if applicable. Maintain accurate records with pertinent information, including client demographics and action plans.
- Food Pantry: Maintain operations of the Food Pantry to include receiving of food, proper food storage, adherence to the guidelines provided by CT Foodshare and securing food items from the CT Food Share that are not offered through ongoing donations, as needed.
- Maintain a personal hygiene closet, promoting the donations of such items to be given to clients in need.
- When funding permits, provide direct service to clients including, but not limited to, intake/assessment, referrals, advocacy, and the provision of clothing vouchers, furniture vouchers, personal hygiene items, and Operation Fuel assistance based upon guidelines, and the policies and procedures of The Salvation Army.
- Discuss special cases with supervisor when attempting to resolve client situations.
- Seasonal Assistance: Assist in coordinating summer youth camp and senior camp registration, and the Christmas adopt a family, angel tree, and holiday meal programs.
- Refer clients seeking spiritual guidance to nearby corps officers.
- Assist with the recruitment and coordination of the Red Kettle Campaign.
- Recordkeeping: Track and report - all statistics, all incoming monetary donations, all in-kind donations, all gift cards, and promptly submit such information to Divisional Headquarters. Work within the budget, track all grant, EFSP and other expenditures to ensure grant deadline are met.
- Adhere to all the policies/procedures of The Salvation Army, the State of Connecticut, and any other entity governing the distribution of materials and services.
- Adhere to guidelines as found in The Salvation Army’s Employee Manual.
- Participate in in-service training, as offered by The Salvation Army. Attend seminars, workshops, and other educational opportunities that would enhance the skills relating to this position as directed by the supervisor.
- Produce and submit statistical reports and forms to meet deadlines.
- Provide clients with information and referrals to appropriate Salvation Army and community programs/resources.

Qualifications:

- Must understand, embrace and reflect well on The Salvation Army’s mission.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- A minimum of two years of work experience in social services, food pantry, or related field is required.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathetic listening.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to organize responsibilities and function independently
- Able to maintain ethical conduct in accordance with organizational policy and conduct business in a manner consistent with the organization's mission, values, and policies.
- Able to work without close supervision on assigned duties and be willing to seek and accept supervision as needed.
- Demonstrate excellent ability to engage with diverse populations and sensitivity to issues related to poverty and the barriers faced by low-income people.
- Must have a high energy level and solid work ethic, as well as the ability to respond to changing conditions.
- Must function well independently and in a team environment.
- Proficient in spoken and written English. Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
- Unquestioned confidentiality with sensitive financial and personal information.
- Valid CT Driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain driving privileges per Salvation Army in