Nutrition Operations Specialist

Develop Your Career While Serving Others. Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois (VAC) is looking for a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Nutrition Operations Specialist to join our team in Sandwich, IL. This full-time, Monday–Friday daytime position offers the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults every day. As part of our dedicated Nutrition team, you'll play a vital role in delivering nutritious meals, supporting wellness programs, coordinating volunteers, and helping seniors remain healthy, independent, and connected to their community. If you're passionate about serving others and eager to grow your skills in program operations and leadership, you'll find a rewarding career with purpose, opportunities for professional development, and a team that's committed to making an impact together.

What You'll Do

• Support daily Meals on Wheels and congregate meal operations.
• Assisting with meal preparation, batch cooking, meal assembly, and kitchen operations.
• Coordinate meal deliveries and provide backup support for delivery routes when needed.
• Conduct client assessments and maintain program records.
• Coordinate with volunteers and support daily scheduling and volunteer communications.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, inventory, and kitchen organization.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving deliveries, and administrative reporting.
• Lead wellness and social engagement activities, including Bingocize.
• Representing VAC through community outreach and exceptional customer service.
• Participating in cross-training designed to prepare you for future leadership opportunities within our organization.

We're Looking for Someone Who

• Passionate about serving older adults and making a meaningful difference in their lives.
• Is organized, dependable, and adaptable.
• Works well independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Is comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite and learning new technology.
• Eager to learn, grow professionally, and advance into future leadership opportunities.

Benefits 

• Medical Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) Options
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Leave (PLA)
• Emergency Time Off (ETO)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Programs
• Professional Growth and Development Opportunities
• A Meaningful Career Where Your Work Makes a Difference

• High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in food service, commercial kitchen operations, senior services, or a related field preferred.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or volunteer coordination experience is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and physical.
• Valid Illinois driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain required food safety certifications within established timeframes.

Why Join VAC?

At Voluntary Action Center, our mission is simple: help older adults and individuals with disabilities remain healthy, independent, and connected to their community. Every meal delivered, every conversation shared, and every service provided helps improve lives. If you're looking for meaningful work, supportive teammates, and an organization that invests in your growth, we'd love to meet you.

Physical Demands

The duties of this position require frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and occasionally driving a motor vehicle. May require lifting or moving objects up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone, and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be comfortable working in a busy Senior Center environment and traveling short distances.

Apply today and help us nourish lives with one meal, one visit, and one connection at a time.

Voluntary Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status or any other status protected by law.