Food Bank Coordinator

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

ACCOUNTABILITIES :

1. Operations and Programming

- Oversee all the activities of the food bank - organize and ensure that the food bank is well maintained and adequately stocked; ensure items are sorted and processed appropriately; and assist clients with food selection in the food bank as needed.
- During the initial months of this position, work to transition the food bank into a shopping model and ensure volunteers who will assist clients are well trained. This transition will include complete reorganization of food bank layout, processing of clients, establishing an appointment system and ensuring the community is fully aware of transition. This transition will be done in collaboration with the Community Services Program Coordinator, the Corps Officers and DHQ.
- Accept, organize, sort, and distribute perishable and non-perishable food products to the community on established operating days.
- Coordinate the pickup and delivery of community donations with the food bank driver.
- Work with the Community Service Corps Officer to maintain community / business contacts, partners, and donors who can assist with the procurement needs of the foodbank.
- Ensure that the transformational ministry objectives are accomplished and a spiritual focus is applied in all programs.
- Refer clients to the Corps Officer for pastoral assistance as needed.
- Periodically review assistance guidelines with Community Services team.
- Work with other CS staff to maintain, promote and improve the profile of TSA Whitby Community Church and CS programs within the community; actively promote TSA Whitby Community Church and CS programs to clients, as appropriate.
- May assist with other CS programming or intake responsibilities when needed.

2. Seasonal / Special Programs

- Assist in the organization, planning and delivery of seasonal and special programs such as Christmas assistance, community lunches, food drives and other CS programs as required.

3. Volunteers

- Schedule, orient, support, assist, and train food bank volunteers.
- Assist in the development of strategies and recommendations for food bank volunteer development.
- Demonstrate work methods and ensure that they work together to achieve the mission and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.
- Assist in ensuring divisional/territorial standards are followed by all volunteers.
- Assist the Volunteer Coordinator in an annual volunteer appreciation event.

4. Administratio n

- Maintain accurate records of donated goods (non-monetary) and report accordingly to TSA and other partners as appropriate.
- Maintain a monthly volunteer time record for the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure all food bank volunteer paperwork is completed, as per TSA policies.
- Ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with Operating Policy and applicable legislation.

5. Health and Safet y

- Ensure that the food bank areas are maintained regarding appearance, condition and safety as recommended by Public Health.
- Assist in the maintenance of other Community Service areas.
- Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain CS equipment, and ensure inventory is up to date.
- Ensure pest control is in place and any issues addressed as needed for the food bank areas.
- Maintain accurate records of refrigerator and freezer temperatures; report any issues to the supervisor.
- Perform other related duties as required.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

- Oversee food bank materials management such as donations/product flow and distribution of same.
- Involved in minor financial matters, has responsibility for the wise use of his/her own resources. The incumbent may provide input into the food bank portion of the annual budget.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

- This is a regular part-time position based on 32 hours per week.
- The performance of the job requires the ability to lift/move 30 lbs. with no assistance from others. It requires the ability to reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing or sitting position for long periods, un-packing delivery vehicles, and computer keyboarding.
- Possible exposure to scents and fumes.
- May be exposed to disagreeable people including the occasional angry and/or abusive client/public, working with people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
- Some travel up to 10% may be required to pick up food etc. and may include travel to meetings in the immediate area. Required to use a program vehicle when available.

Regular hours of work : 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break. Some flexibility in scheduling is required as some weekend and evening work may be required.

PLEASE NOTE: There may be a seasonal temporary increase in hours (to a maximum of 40 hours per week) during the months of November and December related to increased seasonal programming and services.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications :

- Completion of post-secondary education of two academic years in human services or equivalent in related field. i.e. Social Services Worker
- Ability and/or willingness to provide a Safe Food Handlers Certification.
- Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance, provide a driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
- Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion.

Experience and Knowledge Requirements :

- A minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience, in food reclamation/procurement and distribution.
- Experience in volunteer supervision/coordination.
- Have a keen interest in the social services sector and a desire to see lives transformed.
- Possess a genuine concern for and interest in the marginalization of society.
- Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
- Hands-on experience and human services experience working with marginalized individuals is required.
- Proficient in a computerized environment; must have strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite.
- A working knowledge of mental health and addiction issues.
- Some knowledge of community-based resources and experience networking with government and social service agencies.
- Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities :

- Ability and willingness to support the mission, vision and core values of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as it relates to position responsibilities.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive and supportive relationships with participants, colleagues, volunteers, students, corps members, and community partners.
- Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high caliber of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner.
- Represent The Salvation Army in a professional, positive, and engaging manner.
- Sensitivity, awareness, and understanding of client’s needs, problems, interests, skills, deficiencies, and idiosyncrasies.
- Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse culture, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable and operate in an environment of accountability.
- Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
- High standards of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics; the ability to use sound judgment when making decisions and the ability to model the values of The Salvation Army.
- Lead by example, by demonstrating a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible.
- Exhibit empathetic listening skills, have strong oral/written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.
- Ability to coordinate and train others in the repurpose and distribution of food.
- The ability to estimate food needs in advance and maintain inventories and order/ purchase sufficient food items.
- A strong understanding of professional boundaries and the ability to establish/set appropriate boundaries when working with a vulnerable population.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, integrity, and adaptability. Patience and ability to deescalate situations.

Compensation:
The target hiring range for this position is $21.28 to $26.60 with a maximum of $31.92.
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.