Start Date is ASAP
Department Function
The primary functions of this department are: to provide safe, clean, affordable housing to women who are homeless and formerly homeless; deliver services that assist women who have been homeless in maintaining housing and in meeting their own needs and goals; utilize education, training and staff development opportunities that support staff efforts to be reflective practitioners.
Position Summary
This position is responsible for the coordination and management of the food service and in-kind donation programs of Deborah’s Place including soliciting food donations and fostering positive relationships with food donors; organizing and operating the food pantry; performing food pick-ups and deliveries; conducting food surveys and reports, and organizing, sorting and distributing in-kind donations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
In-Kind Giving
- Work with program staff to identify in-kind giving needs and work with Development Department staff to solicit donations to meet needs.
- Work with Development Department staff to implement donation receipt and tracking policies and work with staff at each location to ensure compliance with policies; collect in-kind donation forms from all sites.
- Manage sorting, distribution and storage of holiday in-kind donations.
- Respond to phone and email inquiries about in-kind donations in a timely manner.
- Maintain inventory of storage (at 2822 Jackson) and distribute in-kind gifts that are not delivered to a specific program or location; communicate availability of items to program staff.
Food Procurement
- Coordinate distribution and storage of donated foods, including pick-ups, produce and Greater Chicago Food Depository.
- Solicit food donations and foster positive relationships with food donors.
- Purchase food not available through donations.
Food Service Management
- Complete and submit mandatory food surveys, food reports and year end reports.
- Submit receipts to finance in an effective and timely manner.
- Work with residential staff and/or registered dietician or nutritionist to implement activities related to nutrition, cooking and menu planning.
Safety Management
- Operate DP passenger van safely; adhere to traffic laws, and Deborah’s Place policies on van usage.
- Perform duties related to safety, sanitation and food service guidelines.
- Use proper equipment and wear appropriate clothing to avoid injury.
- Practice correct lifting procedures, as necessary to avoid injury. Report work related accidents, or other injuries immediately upon occurrence to supervisor.
Other
- Maintain required professional knowledge and job skills. Attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings.
- Represent Deborah’s Place mission and values to participants, tenants, visitors, volunteers and others.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate preferred
Licensure and/or Certification: Food Handling and Sanitation Certification required and/or obtained within first six months of employment. Chicago Department of Public Health certified Food Service Sanitation Manager License preferred.
Job Experience: 1-3 years of food service experience or related experience is preferred. Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Special Knowledge & Skills: Knowledge of issues surrounding homelessness, mental illness and chemical dependency; proficiency in Microsoft Office software, effective oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, conflict management and crisis intervention skills; ability to follow directions for cooking meals for 30 people or more; demonstrate clear and professional boundaries; act in a professional manner; Valid Illinois driver’s license, proof of insurance.
Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms balance, stoop, kneel or crouch; may be required to remain on agency facilities during breaks and/or meal periods. Frequent evenings, weekends and holidays;
Environment/Working Conditions
This position operates in a professional office work environment. Regular travel to off-site locations in Chicago is required. Occasionally, some out of area travel may be expected. Workplace is a smoke and drug free environment. Work schedules and/or locations may vary, depending upon the scheduling needs of the department. May be required to attend meetings at other locations; require travel outside of normal work hours. Any changes in work schedules and/or location will be implemented in accordance with agency policy.
