Temporary Welfare Services Pantry Staffer

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Food Pantry & Support Services, the Temporary Food Pantry Staff member support day-to-day food pantry operations by maintaining clean and organized pantry spaces, including stocking shelves, refrigerators, freezers, and fresh produce areas while following food safety and sanitation standards. This position regularly interacts with donors, volunteers, clients, and community partners and must always represent the Township in a courteous and professional manner. This is a temporary role that provides support during peak service periods and assists in ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery to residents.

Hours:
The Welfare Services Department operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 6:00 PM on Thursdays. Full-time employee schedules typically fall between 8:30 AM–4:30 PM or 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with rotating coverage of the 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Thursday shift. Additional hours or schedule adjustments may be required for special events or other departmental needs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain and organize pantry shelves, refrigerators, freezers, and produce displays in accordance with food sanitation standards.
• Assist with sorting, stocking, and preparing donations for resident distribution.
• Support pantry cleanliness and organization, including storage spaces.
• Assist donors with donations and ensure appropriate handling and documentation.
• Maintain resident privacy and confidential information.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, clients, and donors.
• Perform additional support duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Food Pantry & Support Services.

Learning & Growth Opportunities:

• Exposure to social services operations and food assistance programs.
• Opportunity to develop community engagement, client service, and pantry operations experience.
• Hands-on training in donation coordination, client intake, and service delivery.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Experience in customer service, food handling, or community-based operations preferred
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish, Hindi, Polish, Russian, Bulgarian, or Ukrainian is a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to respond calmly and professionally in stressful or sensitive situations
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Basic computer and technology skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and show sound judgment
• Physical Demands:
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs, and reaching overhead
• Regular use of hands and repetitive motion tasks
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for most of the day
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Working Conditions:

• Primarily indoor environment with occasional outdoor tasks during events.
• Regular interaction with residents, donors, volunteers, and vendors

Benefits:

This temporary position is not eligible for Township health insurance benefits. However, temporary employees may be eligible for participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), sick leave in accordance with Illinois law, professional development opportunities, and employee wellness and recognition programs.