Food Bank Worker

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:  

The Food Bank Worker provides both operational and client service support for the Food Bank program provided by The Salvation Army Kirkland Lake Community Ministry. This includes meeting with clients for scheduled appointments, assessing needs, and maintaining accurate client records in the Link2Feed system. The position is also responsible for ordering food and supplies within the allocated budget, coordinating and participating in food drives, liaising with community vendors and donors, and ensuring the effective day-to-day operations of the Food Bank in alignment with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Accountabilities:

Operations

• Assist with unloading of food donations from vans and/or trucks.

• Ensure all food is weighed and documented properly for reporting to partner organizations.

• Sort food donations for the Food Bank program and assist with preparing donated items for distribution.

• Oversee daily activities in Food Bank and keep food moving through the organization in an orderly manner to ensure it doesn’t spoil before distribution.

• Maintain food bank stock, cleanliness, tidiness, and organization of food bank area, freezers, and coolers; defrost and sanitize fridges and freezers as necessary.

• Prepare a weekly list of items that are low in stock or zero inventory for referral to the supervisor.

• Assist with the sorting and packing of parcels for various programs (e.g., Christmas food and toy hampers; back to school; etc.).

• Prepare and place roadside garbage and recycling on pre-determined days.

• Ensure that all clients and members of the public are treated with dignity and respect.

• Assist with seasonal programs as required.

• Liaise with community vendors, donors, and partners to source food and supplies, fostering positive and professional relationships.

• Plan, coordinate, and participate in community food drives, including scheduling, volunteer coordination, and promotional efforts.

• Access and maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the Link2Feed system, ensuring all client interactions and services are properly documented.

• Meet with clients for scheduled appointments, conducting needs assessments and ensuring a respectful, confidential, and supportive environment.

Health and Safety

• Assist in ensuring client safety by maintaining cleanliness and adherence to all health and safety standards.  

• Assist with ensuring that the Food Bank is maintained in regard to organization, appearance, maintenance and general cleanliness and safety as recommended by Public Health etc.

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.

• Check temperatures two times per day on all refrigerators and freezers and record on the log sheet and ensure that Supervisor is aware of irregularities or problems.

Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a regular part-time position based on 32.5 hours per week.   

• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.

• Working environment is typically in a warehouse type setting in generally agreeable conditions.

• High physical effort required to lift/move/carry/hand bomb material weighing up to 40 lbs. (18.1437 kgs) repetitively and frequently during day-to-day operations without assistance from others.  

• The performance of the job requires the ability to reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing or sitting position for long periods, and computer keyboarding.

• May be exposed to upset people or challenging behaviours.

• The incumbent Is a representative of the organization and as such they are required to be professional in all interactions with donors and community partners.

Normal hours of work: Monday through Friday 8:30am to 3:00pm. and included an half-hour unpaid meal break.  The working conditions are such that to meet the operational needs of the job some flexibility is required as it relates to hours of work. 

Note: Potential for increased hours up to 40 per week during peak seasons like the Christmas and Easter seasons and during food drives etc.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision, and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of Secondary School.

• Ability and/or willingness to provide or obtain valid Safe Food Handling Certification.

• Must possess a valid Class G- class driver’s license and provide a driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion.

• First Aid & CPR Certification would be an asset.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Up to two (2) years of related experience.

• Experience working with multi-barriered persons preferred.

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Represent The Salvation Army in a professional, positive, and engaging manner at all times.

• Exhibit good listening and interpersonal skills, have strong oral/written communication skills.

• A high level of integrity, good judgment, and ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.

• Lead by example, by demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible.

• Ability to work independently, participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.

• Self-directed with attention to detail, ability to learn, adapt, and utilize technology and processes quickly; prioritize and complete tasks with minimal supervision.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.

• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.