Food Access Program Assistant - Spanish or Somali Language Required

Food Access Program Assistant - Spanish or Somali Language Required

Organization - Community Action Center (CAC) is a community-based, non-profit, human services organization that provides and advocates for the basic needs of people and families throughout Rice County. Its programs create a robust safety net for low-income families and include food access, housing, employment services, clothing, emergency assistance, youth services, transportation, health care assistance, and more.

CAC’s resources and staff are integral parts of their communities and include partnerships with schools, businesses, faith communities, and other organizations. This extensive local network allows CAC to pursue community-engaged solutions, prioritize partnerships, and collaborate with thousands of volunteers. 

Job Title: Food Access Program Assistant

Reports To: Food Access Site Manager

Primary Work Location: Faribault Resource Center

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly, Part-Time

Compensation: $18 - $20 per hour

Hour Status: 15 hours per week

Schedule: This is a part-time position working approximately 15 hours per week. Food Shelf coverage is needed during the following windows:

Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon

Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The employee's specific schedule will be determined based on Food Shelf coverage needs and the candidate's availability. Some flexibility in workdays and hours is available.

Position Summary - The Food Access Program Assistant is a dynamic, public-facing role that provides general operational support for CAC’s food access programs, engages with the community, and trains and coordinates volunteers. This position works closely with other members of the Food Access Team to help ensure that CAC’s food shelves foster a culture of abundance, hope, support, and appreciation for everyone we serve.

Responsibilities and Duties - CAC’s success is based on the flexibility of its staff and volunteers to dynamically adjust to meet the needs of the community. The primary responsibilities for this job include:

Community Engagement

• Support training and management of food shelf volunteers 

• Support the home delivery program, food rescue, and mobile distributions, using the CAC cargo van as needed

• Build relationships with participants and work with CAC leadership to identify new areas of opportunity for outreach and engagement

• Collaborate closely with the Food Access Team and other CAC staff to connect participants with other food resources and provide seamless referral to other support services

Food Program Support

• Assist in general food shelf operations, data collection, inventory, and maintenance

• Process incoming food rescue and other donated food for distribution

• Comply with federal regulations set forth by TEFAP, food recalls, safe food handling and civil rights training

• Follow all safety procedures and communicate appropriately

General Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission: “To promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort.” 

• Employ trauma-responsive, person-centered care practices to create a safe and healing space, build relationships, foster agency and invest in the long-term wellbeing of participants

• Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support individuals and families in need

• Follow all mandated reporting laws for vulnerable adults as well as child abuse and neglect

• Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled organization and team meetings and trainings

• Perform other duties as assigned to support CAC's mission and evolving community needs

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Somali

• Experience working within or alongside diverse populations 

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Organized, adaptable, and effective in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Excellent ability to multi-task and troubleshoot issues 

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team 

• Passion for equity and social justice 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in customer service, human services, and /or food access

• Familiarity with Rice County organizations and resources

• Previous experience working or volunteering in a food shelf setting 

• Proficient in Google Suite

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license

• Must possess Personal Auto Insurance

• Complete all required background and MVR checks

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position works in a blended warehouse/retail environment with some traditional office duties. The work environment includes regular use of computers, copiers, scanners, printers, scales, and pallet jacks, as well as occasional exposure to heavy loads; noise levels are generally minimal. This is a physically active position requiring employees to regularly walk, stand, climb stairs, bend, kneel, use their hands for writing and computer work, and lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits

The position is designed as a part time, 15 hours/week, non-exempt position with a starting hourly rate of $18 to $20 per hour. CAC offers flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities and a chance to creatively build and implement innovative ideas. 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential counseling and wellness support

• Professional development and growth opportunities

• Competitive compensation with regular pay reviews

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

• ESST (Employee Sick and Safe Time)

Equal Employment Opportunity

CAC is an equal opportunity organization. CAC believes that the most efficient and effective workplaces include employees from diverse backgrounds. We strive to create a work environment where all employees and individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, public assistance status or veteran status, can succeed and make an impact in the community.