Food Pantry Coordinator 11-025-SC/Glendale Corps

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Food Pantry Coordinator oversees the daily operations of the People’s Choice Market, ensuring efficient food assistance for clients. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate records and statistics, developing and sustaining partnerships with local food and grocery vendors to secure donations, and recruiting and coordinating volunteers to support pantry operations.

Essential Functions

• Provide direct daily services to clients visiting the People’s Choice Market (PCM).
• Conduct intake, interviews, and documentation for food distribution, ensuring compliance with Salvation Army policies and procedures
• Assist clients with shopping, answering questions, and ensuring adherence to all policies.
• Deliver excellent customer service with professionalism and respect for individuals and families served.
• Coordinate, schedule, train, and supervise PCM volunteers, ensuring effective participation and retention.
• Organize, sort, and stock donated items, including managing freezers and refrigerators when volunteers are unavailable.
• Maintain a clean and organized marketplace and waiting area, ensuring safety and accessibility.
• Pick up food donations from local grocery stores in and around the Glendale area as needed.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local businesses and organizations to coordinate food drives.
• Monitor PCM food inventory levels and supplies to meet client needs efficiently.
• Keep accurate monthly records of client data to produce statistical reports for The Salvation Army.
• Record food distribution data and generate reports as requested.
• Participate in program evaluation, assessment, and improvement initiatives under management’s direction.
• Support The Salvation Army’s Christian mission and philosophy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Corps Officers.

Working Conditions

• Work takes place in both office and field environments, requiring travel between sites.
• Exposure to computer screens, inclement weather, and confined spaces may occur.
• Regular public interaction is required.
• Physical requirements include the ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist intermittently or continuously.
• Must be able to grasp, push, and pull objects such as files and file cabinet drawers, as well as reach overhead.
• Proficiency in operating a computer, fax machine, and telephone is required.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Employees in this position must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved religious or medical exemption.

Minimum Qualifications     

• A criminal background check is required, along with certification in Protect the Mission policies and procedures.
• A high school diploma or GED is required; a college degree and/or relevant work experience is preferred.
• Must be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid Class C California Driver’s License with a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Must be culturally sensitive and non-judgmental in interactions with clients, staff, and volunteers.
• Knowledge and awareness of homelessness, mental health, and chronic illness issues.
• Ability to complete all required Salvation Army trainings, including Decision Driving and Child Safety Training (Protect the Mission - PTM), as applicable.
• Strong observational skills, with the ability to visually and audibly identify safety hazards, monitor guest and staff behavior, and enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures as needed.
• Must demonstrate flexibility, effective leadership, conflict resolution, and strong communication skills in a fast-paced environment.