Pantry Assistant

POTS; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

POTS in the Bronx is seeking a Pantry Assistant to support the pantry program that serves over 1,100,000 meals annually to more than 20,000 people. You will ensure smooth operations, assist clients, manage inventory, and supervise volunteers with a client-centered approach.

The role requires customer-service skills, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and comfort with basic computer tasks; Spanish language proficiency is preferred. Availability on Saturdays and holidays is expected.

Qualifications

• Must have 1–3 years of customer service experience.
• Ability to manage a crowd in a pantry setting.
• Conversational to fluent in Spanish is preferred.
• Proficient with basic computer tasks and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Foster a welcoming environment with dignity and respect.
• Assist clients with Pantry point system orientation and questions.
• Operate pallet jacks or hand trucks as needed.
• Unload incoming shipments and inspect items for damage.
• Log, label, and stock received items; perform regular stock checks.
• Identify low stock and discrepancies; report them.
• Stock shelves and prepare deliveries for clients and volunteers.
• Maintain pantry cleanliness per food safety guidelines.
• Orient and supervise volunteers; conduct client intake and follow-ups.
• Enter data into POTS’ client database; assist with scheduling per pantry calendar.

Skills

Customer service

Crowd management

Spanish language

Computers

Lifting 50 lbs

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office (Excel/Word)

Job description

The mission of POTS is to be a loving community in the Bronx that nourishes the basic needs and hungers of all who come to its door. Helping low-income families and individuals since 1982, Part of the Solution (POTS) has grown to become a leading provider of emergency food, legal representation and social services in the Bronx. POTS’ unique “one-stop shop” model of interrelated programming has been designed to carry out its vision of helping low-income individuals and families move from crisis to stability and ultimately self-sufficiency. Last year, POTS’ work has touched the lives of more than 30,000 people, including 8,000 children. POTS’ Food Pantry, operating since 1999, has provided hundreds of thousands of low-income Bronx residents millions of nutritionally-complete meals following a client choice model.

About the position

Reporting to the Program Manager, Emergency Food Programs, the Pantry Assistant will support and maintain the smooth functioning of the pantry program. The pantry program serves over 1,100,000 meals a year to more than 20,000 people. For many clients the food pantry is the first point of service at POTS. The Pantry Assistant is responsible for assuring the smooth functioning of the pantry through superior customer service, managing inventory and working closely with volunteers. Specifically, the Pantry Assistant will:

• Foster a welcoming environment where clients are served with dignity and respect
• Orient clients to the Pantry point system and address client questions and manage expectations
• Operating pallet jacks, or hand trucks.
• Unloading incoming shipments from trucks.
• Inspecting and verifying goods received (checking for damage or discrepancies).
• Logging and labeling received items.
• Conducting regular stock checks or cycle counts.
• Reporting low stock or inventory discrepancies
• Stock shelves and unload deliveries
• Maintain the cleanliness in the Pantry according to food safety guidelines
• Orient and supervise volunteers
• Conduct intake and follow-up interviews with clients
• Accurately enter data into POTS’ client database
• Contribute to scheduling according to POTS pantry calendar and policies

Qualifications

Must Have:

• Excellent customer service skills demonstrated through 1-3 years of experience
• Ability to manage a crowd
• Conversational to fluent in Spanish
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• General facility with computers
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Commitment to the mission and vision of POTS
• Available Saturdays and holidays

Preferred:

• Comfort with MS Office, especially Excel and Word
• Client interview or case management experience
• Experience in cooking/nutrition education