PROGRAM ASSISTANT - HUNGER RELIEF
Metropolitan Family Service · mfspdx.org
PortlandOn-siteEntry levelPart-time
The job in short
Food pantry assistant supporting hunger relief distribution at school sites.
RecruitmentBankingCompliance
Details
- Found
- 21 d ago · posted 2026-10-01
- Location as listed
- Portland, OR, USA
- Role
- Food Pantry Program Assistant
- Source
- The company’s own careers site
Full description
Job Details: Job Location: Hunger Relief - Portland, OR, Salary Range: $19.55 - $19.55Hourly, General Description:
Metropolitan Family Service position descriptions are guidelines. They are not intended to identify every task that an employee will be asked to complete. They are intended as a general outline of the essential work responsibilities and qualifications of the position.
This position is open to both internal and external employees. Application instructions are at the end of the description. This a part-time position, with the possibility of more hours as funding allows. This position is an in-person position that requires being on site twice a week. The sites and hours for this position are as follows:
Thursdays- David Douglas High School- 1pm-5pm
Fridays- Parklane Elementary School- 9:45am-1:45pm
Values:
We use creative and proactive problem solving to build and sustain dynamic community-based programs and quality services
We believe in the potential of families and individuals at all life stages and focus on prevention, wellness, and independence
We build strong relationships by collaborating with our funders, partners, and highly trained volunteers, always striving for an extensive commitment to diversity
General Function:
Under the general supervision of the Hunger Relief Coordinator, the Food Pantry Assistant is responsible for supporting the overall functioning of Hunger Relief efforts at multiple Community School sites. This includes assisting with the set up and distribution of food at pantry sites, tracking and reporting on volunteer and client data, ensuring food safety standards are being met; assisting in training and tracking of site volunteers; checking pantry clients in using a secure database, helping assemble weekend food backpacks for students, and supporting resource referrals and opportunities for partner engagement.
CORE VALUES
Equity & Social Justice
Values working in a multicultural, diverse environment
Values and supports inclusion and program access for clients
Supports agency goals for reducing disparity in outcomes for communities of color
Adopts anti-racism approaches to services by understanding and acknowledging systemic and individual racism and privilege
Collaboration
Ability to work effectively in collaboration within all program areas of MFS as well as other agencies
Ability and commitment to work effectively within a team-dependent environment and provide leadership and support to staff to demonstrate effective team dynamics
Provide information and assist with linkage to broader community and social services
Ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups
Ability to connect position roles and agency mission
Qualifications: Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Support multiple SUN Community School sites with hunger relief services aspects of delivery, setup and distribution
Assist in food pantry deliveries, setup, and distributions while assuring food safety protocols are being met
Oversee volunteer protocols and processes for all food distribution sites, including volunteer paperwork and data, recruitment, and training
Support in both internal and external resource referrals for clients when possible
Work with the Hunger Relief Coordinators at each site to assure all school staff and clients are notified of closures and changes in the schedule
Keep temperature logs, monitor food shelf dates, and keep all areas food safe and in compliance with OFB and MFS policies
Maintain MFS confidentiality policies and respect the privacy of participating families
Complete site OFB reports, and assist with any additional data collection, tracking, and reporting as needed, including proper data entry in shared food banking database- SIMC
Keep pantries in compliance during recalls
Maintain food pantry files in collaboration with the SUN Site Manager
Communicate ideas and concerns to the SUN Site Manager, Hunger Relief Program Coordinators, and Program Manager in a timely manner
Comply with policies and procedures as outlined in Metropolitan Family Service Employee Handbook
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Bi-lingual written and verbal communication in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Vietnamese, Karen, Tagalog, Nepali, or Burmese
Experience working with families in an enriching, positive manner
Experience working in public school settings
Experience in food distribution, customer service, or similar field
Willingness to ask questions and seek clarification when needed
Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
Possess excellent time management and organizational skills
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to maintain appropriate and professional relationships with clients and volunteers
Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups
Education and Experience Requirements:
High school diploma or GED
Program Assistant will need to obtain a valid Food Handlers’ Card for Multnomah at time of employment. Further food safety trainings may be required by partner organizations
Fluency and ability to communicate effectively in languages in addition to English is beneficial
MFS requires all employees and volunteers to complete a criminal background check. We review the results of all background checks individually and consider all of the circumstances of any issues that arise in a background check during the hiring process.
Work Environment:
Work is normally performed in a school and outdoor setting, and at multiple sites. Work typically takes place between the hours of 9:45am- 5:45pm and is primarily outdoors. Position requires use of computer, telephone, copier, and may require accessing locations by use of stairs. This position requires the ability to lift up to 30 pounds on a regular basis and to move high volumes of food in an average workday. Must be able to regularly perform the following activities: bend, stretch, squat and twist while lifting or carrying items and moving in a safe manner. Must practice safe lifting techniques at all times. On occasion, repetitive heavy lifting may be required.
Metropolitan Family Service is committed to building a diverse workforce to broaden and deepen our work in the communities we serve. We strongly urge candidates from communities of color, disability, LGBTQI2S+, linguistically diverse populations, older adults and military veterans to consider application to our positions. MFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Instructions:
Interested internal candidates may submit a cover letter (preferred) and a resume (required) via email to [email protected]. External candidates may follow application instructions using the prompts on Paycom. If there are questions on completing the application, please contact Anna Walter at [email protected].
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