Intake Receptionist/Food Pantry Coordinator

At The Salvation Army our employees are the heartbeat of our mission. We foster a community of passionate people dedicated to changing lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.

Position Summary: The Intake Receptionist/ Food Pantry Coordinator provides front-line client support and administrative coordination for Family Services programs. This position greets and assists clients, facilitates intake and documentation, maintains accurate client records, and ensures confidentiality at all times. The role also oversees daily pantry operations, including inventory control, food bank ordering, volunteer coordination, compliance documentation, and statistical reporting. The position in consultation with the Case Worker, Case Specialist, and Business Manager, supports program effectiveness by delivering compassionate service, maintaining organized records, and adhering to established policies and procedures.

Essential Responsibilities:

Client Services & Front Desk Support

• Greet and assist clients in person, by phone, and through agency referrals; provide direction to appropriate services.
• Facilitate and process client intake documentation in accordance with program requirements.
• Distribute food, personal care, and baby items during designated pantry hours.
• Ensure accommodation is made for clients with special needs.
• Maintain strict client confidentiality in compliance with agency policies and applicable regulations.

Data Management & Documentation

• Accurately enter client data into WellSky and other required systems.
• Complete releases of information, case notes, service transactions, and required documentation.
• Maintain organized, secure client files and complete month-end file closures.
• Prepare and submit monthly statistics and required reports in a timely manner.
• Issue donation receipts and track food and in-kind donations.

Pantry Coordination

• Maintain inventory of food and personal needs items; submit weekly orders to Greater Lansing Food Bank and communicate updates as needed.
• Coordinate pantry operations and referrals with partnering agencies and food bank representatives.
• Collect and submit invoices to the Business Manager.
• Maintain USDA documentation and required records for compliance.
• Train and schedule pantry volunteers and provide oversight during operations.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Process volunteer applications and coordinate scheduling for pantry and community kitchen programs.
• Implement policies and procedures established by Program Administrators.
• Participate in staff meetings and in-service trainings.
• Maintain a professional appearance and orderly work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: 

• Associate degree in a related field (preferred) or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience in a call center or front desk role (preferred)
• Bi-lingual English and Spanish (preferred)
• Experience working with low-income populations (preferred)
• One-year experience in social work or social service field (desired)

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: 

• Learn and adhere to The Salvation Army Social Services Code of Ethics
• Adhere to professional codes of ethics as they apply to professional licensing
• Understand and adhere to professional boundaries within and outside of the organization
• Maintain client confidentiality and obtain appropriate releases of information
• Demonstrate a continued effort to increase self-awareness and to better understand other cultures and issues of social justice, and promote racial understanding and reconciliation
• Complete Caseworker Certification Program within 120 days of hire

Computer Skills:

• Basic skills in Microsoft Office 365
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
• Willingness to learn new software as needed

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Complete Safe From Harm training, and keep current as needed

Qualifications:

The Salvation Army offers the following benefits:

• Health Care Benefits which include:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• Flexible spending accounts
• AFLAC
• Voluntary life insurance benefits
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Pet Insurance
• Pension contributions (currently 6.0% of your earnings) begin the first quarter after 1 year of employment.
• Vesting starts after three years of employment, 100% vested after five years of employment
• The Salvation Army also offers a 403(b) voluntary retirement savings plan in which you may participate immediately, with approved vendors. There is currently no organizational match for 403(b) contributions.
• Employee Discounts
• Paid Time Off which includes:
• Sick days begin accruing the first of the month following 30 days of employment and you may begin to use accrued sick days once available. 
• Up to (6) earned sick days per year may be used as discretionary days.
• Vacation begins accruing the first of the month after one full calendar month after employment begins, and you may begin to use vacation days after (90) days of employment. 
• The accrual rate is based upon years of service and approved hours worked.
• You will receive up to 2 personal days per year based on date of hire.
• Birthday off with pay.  
• Paid holidays are effective immediately.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer.  Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

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.