Program Advocate, Loaves & Fishes

South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc.; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

A community service organization in Springfield is seeking a Part-Time Program Advocate to coordinate food groups and ensure a supportive environment for homeless individuals. This position involves engaging with clients, assisting with food preparation, and maintaining a clean atmosphere. Candidates should demonstrate compassion and understanding of mental health challenges. Weekend and holiday work is required, with a total of 20 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Must possess caring and compassionate qualities.
• Understanding of mental illness and substance abuse is necessary.
• Ability to maintain calm in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate food groups and volunteers.
• Assist with food preparation and maintain cleanliness.
• Engage clients and meet their needs effectively.
• Attend team meetings and communicate effectively.

Skills

Caring and compassionate attitude

Flexibility

Understanding of homeless population

Ability to self-initiate

Crisis management skills

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Program Advocate, Loaves & Fishes

Part Time 20 Technical 287 State Street, Springfield, MA, Springfield, MA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 4045

Summary: Loaves and Fishes Kitchen operates in three churches within Springfield. Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week. It is a life sustaining service and essential to the health of people who we serve. The staff assistant must work with volunteer food groups that bring meals, other volunteers and guests at the kitchen. This person must maintain a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere. This position is responsible for all aspects of the operation of the kitchen.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Paid Time Off: All full‑time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer‑paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long‑Term Disability for full‑time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost‑sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full‑time employees.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full‑time and part‑time employees.
• Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short‑Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate food groups and volunteers.
• Ensure there is adequate food for the lunch and dinner meals.
• Assist with preparation of food.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for guests and volunteers.
• Adhere to Serve Safe guidelines.
• Work weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Program Director.
• Engage clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Must be caring, compassionate, and flexible. Must have an understanding of homeless population, mental illness and substance abuse.
• Must be able to self‑initiate and diffuse volatile situations.
• Maintain a calm attitude during stressful times and emergency situations.

Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to Program Director. Indirectly reports to Division Director. Direct reports to this position are volunteers.

Physical Requirement: Ascending and descending stairs.

Friday: 11:00PM - 6:00PM; Saturday: 10:30AM - 6:00PM; Sunday: 11:00 - 6:00PM includes a 30‑minute unpaid meal break. 20 Hours per week.