TO APPLY: Submit a resume and cover letter to emo@emoregon.org or apply below. Position open until filled.
Please note: this position requires the candidate to be at least conversational in either Chinese or Vietnamese. Each language group represents approximately 20% of NEFP’s clientele.
The Northeast Emergency Food Program (NEFP), a program of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO), meets the urgent food and clothing needs of our Portland neighbors while working to develop community solutions to food and economic security.
PURPOSE: The Pantry Associate will support the operations of NEFP by 1) providing leadership with respect to culturally-specific initiatives that further the relationship between the pantry and its clients; 2) contributing to the efficient and safe receiving of food deliveries; and 3) contributing to the efficient and dignity-focused distribution of food to clients.
ACCOUNTABILITY: To the mission and goals of EMO as determined by the Board of Directors and as administered by the Executive Director and their delegates.
REPORTS TO: NEFP Program Manager and their designee
DIRECT REPORTS: None
LOCATION: EMO’s Northeast Emergency Food Program site, and other sites as assigned.
CLASSIFICATION: Position 1 – 40 hours/week, non-exempt. Position 2 – 12 hours/week, non-exempt.
BENEFITS: Salary range starts at $21.94 hourly, with increase available if fluent in one or more languages. All regular employees (does not include on-call or temporary) are eligible for vacation, holidays, sick leave, 401(k) retirement plan, employee assistance program and employee trainings. Employees in exempt positions or non-exempt positions that are 20 hours per week or more, also receive medical insurance, dental insurance, disability insurance and life insurance, per eligibility requirements.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as an ambassador to clients. Facilitate client access to the pantry by managing the client intake process on distribution days.
- Assist the Program Manager in developing and implementing initiatives that increase culturally-universal, -relevant and -specific initiatives for the benefit of the clients we serve.
- Contribute to food receiving activities. Play a supporting role in the handling of food deliveries, including but not limited to the Oregon Food Bank (40,000-50,000 pounds per week), Trader Joe’s (3,000-5,000 pounds per week), and bread (2,000-3,000 pounds per week).
- Contribute to food distribution activities. Play a supporting role in the distribution of food to clients, mainly by managing client intake as noted above.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
This position is a direct service provided by the programs and projects of EMO.
KNOWLEDGE: This position does not have specific knowledge requirements. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.
SKILLS: Exceptional interpersonal skills including verbal communication, conflict resolution and emotional learning; Be at least conversational in either Chinese or Vietnamese.
EFFORT: Be able to make decisions in high tension settings and to adjust to fluid and occasionally seemingly chaotic situations.
RESPONSIBILITY: Commitment to serve the clients, including evenings, weekends, holidays and occasions when high demand requires extending the service window; Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining a close relationship with supervisors and the broader organization; Experience working with volunteers.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds repetitively; Ability to work in a respectful manner with people of diverse ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, religion, culture and sexual orientation; High tolerance for ambiguity and change.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Fluent in either Chinese or Vietnamese.
Prior experience in a customer service setting or other client facing experience.
Familiarity and comfort with cloud-based computing is desired. NEFP relies on a variety of web-based applications on a daily basis, such as Google Translate to interact with clients.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, considers individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. People of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and people living with HIV are encouraged to apply.
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. All employment requirements mandated by state and federal regulations will be observed.
Job Type: Full Time Part Time
Job Location: NE Emergency Food Program