Bread for Life Co-op Assistant

Primary Location Bread for Life Co-op at Home Sweet Home Ministries, 301 E Oakland Ave

Required Schedule  Tuesday-Saturday. Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat: 8:30AM-4:30PM; Thur: 12-8PM

Hourly Wage - $17/hour

NOT REMOTE JOB

The Co-op Assistant – Part Time supports the day-to-day operations of the Bread for Life Food Co-op by assisting with stocking, donation processing, member support, and maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. This hands-on role works under the direction of the Lead Co-op Assistant and helps ensure a dignified, empowering shopping experience for all members. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Member Support & Hospitality

• Ensures the Bread for Life Co-op is fully prepared before shoppers arrive on shopping days. 

• Welcome and assist co-op members during shopping hours, helping them locate items, bag groceries, and navigate the shopping space. 

Stocking & Inventory & General Upkeep  

• Stores new donations and current stock in their proper location, in an organized fashion, on the shelves in dry storage, our reach-in coolers, the walk-in freezers, etc. 

• Restock shelves, freezers, and coolers using proper rotation methods. 

• Keep storage areas neat, organized, and clearly labeled. 

• Assist with basic inventory checks and communicate supply needs to the Lead Co-op Assistant. 

• Contribute to daily upkeep of the Co-op, including cleaning surfaces, organizing crates, disposing of trash and recycling, and assisting with laundry and dishes. 

Food Donation Support 

• Assist with food donation pickups by driving a company vehicle to local stores, restaurants, or the food bank, and helping load donations safely at each location. 

• Help unload food deliveries and donations. 

• Assist with weighing and recording incoming donations. 

• Sort, inspect, and store food items under supervision, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. 

Team Collaboration 

• Collaborate with Shelter Food Services staff.

• Assist with volunteer onboarding/training of the Co-op

• Represents Home Sweet Home Ministries in a positive light with all donors, recipients, clients, volunteers, and the general public. 

• Education and/or experience in the human services field. Experience with trauma informed principles in addressing client behavior preferred. 

• Valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to safely operate a company vehicle. Must meet insurance eligibility requirements (minimum age 21) and be able to lift up to 75 pounds from service vehicles. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Outlook, Word, Excel) 

• Well organized and self-motivated, and able to multi-task and effectively function in a high stress environment. 

• Ability to demonstrate empathy, cultural competency, and a Christ-centered focus. 

• Able to identify client needs and apply agency or community resources to meet that need, while balancing operational demands with client-centered service. 

• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality. 

• Able to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries. 

• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. 

• Demonstrate good written and verbal communication 

• Ability to work cooperatively with others, and effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including volunteers and program participants. 

• Capable of following written and verbal instructions and working both independently and as part of a team. 

• Mission-oriented with values in harmony with those of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Inc. 

Salary : $17