Food Pantry Specialist

Caritas of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Mileage reimbursement

Parking for downtown location

Flight/Phone stipend

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

Caritas of Austin is seeking a Food Pantry Specialist to manage daily pantry operations at the downtown Austin location. You will coordinate donations, maintain inventory, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards while delivering excellent customer service to clients.

The role supports multiple pantry locations and collaborates with the Community Kitchen staff and Pantry Coordinator. A High School Diploma or GED and at least one year of related experience are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• Strong customer service and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic data entry.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong customer service to clients, visitors, and colleagues.
• Maintain pantry inventory by receiving, storing, and organizing food and supplies.
• Coordinate donations and ensure health and safety standards are met.
• Enter donation and voucher data into databases accurately and timely.
• Support pantry operations across multiple locations as needed.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Customer service

Teamwork

Professional email communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Food Pantry Specialist

Department: Programs

Program: Community Access & Food Services

Reports To: Community Access & Food Services Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time

Work Location: Austin, TX 78701

Position Summary

The Food Pantry Specialist is an integral part of the Food Services program by providing quality groceries and basic needs items to Caritas clients. The primary role of this position is to perform the daily operations and client services of the pantry at Caritas of Austin’s downtown location. The Pantry Specialist will help coordinate donations, inventory, quality control, and ensures the pantry is in compliance with health and safety measures. In addition, the position works closely with Community Kitchen staff & Community Pantry Coordinator, providing support to pantry operations across multiple locations as needed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):

Client Services

• Provide strong customer service and clear communication to clients, visitors, and colleagues.


• Develop and maintain appropriate working relationships with food services volunteers and donors.


• Distribute food and basic needs items to clients within established agency guidelines.


• Ensure compliance with all health and safety standards.


• Educate clients and staff about other community food resources.

Inventory and Maintenance

• Maintain pantry inventory by receiving, storing, and organizing food and supplies daily.


• Assist Community Pantry Coordinator in ordering, receiving, organizing, inspecting, and maintaining inventory in the Pantry in accordance with Caritas guidelines (i.e., weighing and checking expiration dates).


• Transport inventory items to & from storage and other pantries as needed.


• Maintain general cleanliness and organization of the Pantry area daily.


• Enter donation and food voucher data into database accurately and timely.

Organizational Support Options

• Participates in Caritas food drives as needed.


• Attends all program and Caritas staff meetings.


• Provide training to new staff about pantry operations.


• Complies with administrative procedures, reporting, and record keeping functions as assigned (e.g., completing donation forms on all donated items).

Other Duties

• Demonstrates professionalism by treating clients, staff, volunteers, and members of the public with courtesy, dignity, and respect.


• Collaborates with supervisor to develop and complete an approved professional development plan, including participation in all required Caritas staff trainings.

Qualifications:

Education

• Required – High School Diploma or GED.

Experience

• Required – Minimum of one (1) year of relevant professional experience.


• Preferred – Prior experience in pantry services and/or supporting diverse populations.

Computer Skills

• Experience working with various software programs: word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Language Skills

• Preferred – Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to multi-task and work in a high-stress environment.


• Strong customer service and experience working with diverse populations


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.


• Ability to accurately maintain records and create spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.


• Ability to communicate professionally and respond to emails in a timely manner.

Other Requirement(s)

• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Food Handler Permit within 30 days of hire.


• Valid driver's license required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Duties involve prolonged standing and walking; frequent bending, stooping, and reaching; and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, with appropriate equipment or assistance as needed. Work is performed indoors in busy kitchen and pantry areas with frequent foot traffic, moderate noise, and warmer temperatures in the kitchen. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Salary/Benefits:

• Base Salary Range: $46,825-$50,825, with final offer based on education and experience


• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.


• Time Off: 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure) and 14 paid holidays.


• Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.


• Additional Perks: Mileage reimbursement, monthly phone stipend, discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield), and parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).


• Student Loan Forgiveness: Caritas of Austin is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Learn more: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.