Food Security Coordinator
Jewish Collaborative Services
Job Details
Description
Jewish Collaborative Services (hereafter known as JCS) was established in 2018 because of a combination of five prior entities (Jewish Family Service, Jewish Seniors Agency, Shalom Apartments, Shalom II Apartments, and Tamarisk Senior Living). The combined agency's goal is to serve people of all faiths with better access to professional services in the greater Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts communities. The emphasis for the new agency will be in recognizing and meeting current and emerging community needs within the framework of Jewish traditions and values into action. All our work is guided by our core values:
- Tzedakah: Upholding the Jewish traditions of righteous giving and justice.
- L’dor v’dor: Securing a future filled with Jewish tradition and heritage.
- Tikkun Olam: Repairing the world.
- Hineni: Standing with others, so no one stands alone.
- Klal Yisrael: Supporting worldwide Judaism and the State of Israel.
- Torah: Pursuing knowledge and lifelong learning
Job Summary
The Food Security Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the cost-free marketplace and Senior Cafe. This includes coordinating food distribution, meal preparation, inventory management, volunteer coordination, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. The Food Security Coordinator plays a key role in supporting community members by providing access to nutritious food and ensuring that meal service is delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
Key Responsibilities
Cost-free Marketplace Operations
- Coordinate Food Distribution: Manage and organize the distribution of food to individuals and families in need, ensuring equitable and efficient processes.
- Inventory Management: Oversee food inventory, track supplies, monitor expiration dates, and ensure proper storage according to food safety standards.
- Ordering and Sourcing: Collaborate with suppliers, food banks, and donors to source necessary food items, including fresh produce, canned goods, and other staples.
- Client Interaction: Engage with pantry clients, ensuring they are receiving the support and securities they need. Provide information about additional community resources as needed.
Senior Cafe Operations
- Meal Planning & Preparation: Oversee the planning and preparation of nutritious meals for community members, considering dietary restrictions and food preferences.
- Meal Service Coordination: Supervise meal service operations, ensuring that meals are served in a safe, efficient, and welcoming manner.
- Client Interaction: Engage with Senior Cafe clients, ensuring they are receiving the support and services they need. Provide information about additional community resources as needed.
Health & Safety Compliance
- Food Safety Standards: Ensure compliance with all local and state food safety regulations, including safe handling, storage, and preparation of food.
- Health Inspections: Prepare for and assist with health inspections, ensuring that all food safety protocols are followed.
- Cleanliness & Sanitation: Maintain cleanliness and proper sanitation standards in the food security areas in accordance with the department of health standards. Ensure regular cleaning schedules are followed by staff and volunteers.
Community Outreach & Collaboration
- Build Relationships with Partners: Collaborate with local businesses, organizations, and food donors to secure food donations and support for the pantry and Senior Cafe.
- Advocate for Community Needs: Identify and respond to gaps in community food security. Help raise awareness about available services.
- Event Coordination: Organize special food distribution events, holiday meals, or other community outreach initiatives as needed.
- Volunteer Management: In partnership with the Volunteer Coordinator, recruit, train, and manage volunteers to assist with meal preparation, serving, and clean-up. Provide guidance and support to volunteers.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Record-Keeping: Maintain detailed records of client demographics, services provided, and donations.
- Reporting: Provide regular reports on cost-free marketplace and Senior Cafe activities, including attendance, inventory, distribution logs, and volunteer participation. Track food usage and report to management on trends and needs.
- Budget Management: Assist with budgeting and monitoring expenses for food and supplies, ensuring the efficient use of resources.
Qualifications
Qualifications
- Education: Associate’s degree or higher in food service management, nutrition, or related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience: At least 2 years of experience in food service, food security, cost-free marketplace operations, or nonprofit program coordination. Previous experience in meal planning, inventory management, and volunteer supervision is highly desirable.
- Food Safety Certification: Food service Manager’s certification preferred or willingness to acquire once employed.
- Skills:
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage a diverse group of volunteers and clients with compassion and professionalism.
- Familiarity with budget management and record-keeping.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent software.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to perform tasks that require bending, kneeling, and reaching.
- Comfortable working in both a kitchen and office environment.
Working Conditions
- Hours: 8 hours per shift; may include evenings, weekends, or holiday work depending on the site and client schedule/need.
- Environment: The role will involve working in a busy, community-focused environment with interaction with both clients and volunteers. The Food Security Coordinator will work in the pantry and Senior Cafe, which may involve exposure to kitchen equipment and food handling environments.
Job Description Acknowledgement:
I have read this job description and duties listed above. I agree to accept the position as listed and other job-related duties as assigned. I can perform the essential functions as outlined, with or without reasonable accommodation. I will support the policies of the organization and fulfill the position responsibilities.
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Employee Signature