Program Assistant - Client Services (PCN 356)

Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Family Service LA is seeking a Program Assistant (Client Services) to support food pantry operations and client data processing. You will open/close sites, enroll clients, check them in/out, and guide volunteers to ensure a welcoming, organized experience for guests.

You will work with the Program Manager to maintain data integrity, provide referrals and information, and collaborate with cross-functional teams across two pantry sites while upholding the agency's commitment to service and

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma required.
• Experience in a food pantry, retail or wholesale distribution preferred.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and client services database.
• Experience working with volunteers is a plus; able to guide volunteers and maintain professional boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Assist in opening and closing the food pantry site and ensure readiness, cleanliness and order for daily operations.
• Process data on the client database: enroll new clients, re-register, and check in/out.
• Orient and coach new volunteers on client services database.
• Maintain food distribution policies while delivering high-quality service.
• Collaborate with volunteers to improve operations and ensure positive experiences for clients and volunteers.
• Provide community resource information and referrals when social work staff are unavailable.
• Rotate between two SOVA pantry sites (LA and SF Valley) and provide coverage as needed.
• Perform daily data entry and reconciliation for the pantry.
• Work with SOVA Central Access and partner organizations onsite.
• Report equipment, maintenance or security issues to supervisor.
• Represent the agency professionally to all stakeholders.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Volunteer coordination

Communication

Multitasking

Bilingual (Spanish/Farsi/Russian) a +

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Client services database

Job description

We all face challenges and transitions in our lives, and when we do, we must be able to count on the strength of community for support. For the people of Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) is that trusted source of support. We are a comprehensive network of services that welcomes individuals and families of all ages and identities to our full spectrum of care. Our highly trained staff and volunteers work closely with individuals and their loved ones to problem-solve and guide them on their paths to safety, security, wellness, and fulfillment. JFSLA staff share in our mission and work towards our goals with the highest level of responsibility, professionalism, and integrity. JFS demonstrates our commitment to our staff by offering a comprehensive benefits package and a nurturing environment. JFSLA is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. In recruiting for our team, we seek the unique contributions that individuals can bring from all backgrounds. We strive for a diverse team in order to better serve our clients and ensure our excellence as an organization in identifying, designing and delivering solutions. Be part of our commitment and join our family. For more information on our philosophy and services, please tour our website www.jfsla.org The Program Assistant (Client Services) works under the supervision of the Program Manager (Client Services) and is responsible for database platform enrollment, check in and check out of new and existing clients in a food pantry/resource center program. Duties include assisting with opening and closing the site, processing of clients, data collection, client customer service and satisfaction, training and guidance of volunteers.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma required.
• Prior experience in a food pantry, retail or wholesale distribution business preferred.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Excellent computer skills including all Microsoft Suite applications (Outlook, Word Excel, and PowerPoint) and ability to work within client services database.
• Experience working with volunteers a plus. Ability to effectively guide and coach volunteers and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to routinely provide customer service with a positive attitude and demeanor, using de-escalation skills to diffuse conflict between clients when occurring.
• Ability to work independently, be flexible, and exercise good judgement to efficiently manage schedule and organize multiple tasks.
• Culturally sensitive and has ability to work with a multicultural customer population with empathy and understanding.
• Flexible and able to deal with change with strong teamwork orientation. The ability to exhibit strong teamwork and leadership skills, present a professional demeanor and professional boundaries.
• Ability to foster positive outcomes for the program.
• Must be able to work a Sunday through Thursday schedule. Occasionally Friday overtime is required as necessary for program disbursements.
• Must have clean DMV record and reliable transportation to travel between multiple distribution sites during workdays as needed.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Farsi or Russian a plus, but not required.
• Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds to move cartons, boxes and other food containers.
• Must be ableto pass criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprinting) prior to beginning employment

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Assist in the opening and closing of the food pantry site and ensure pantry readiness, cleanliness and order for daily operations.
• Responsible for data processing on a client database system, including, enrolling new clients, re-registering existing clients and checking clients in and out for visits.
• Assist in orienting and coaching new volunteers on client services database.
• Maintain food distribution policies and procedures, while offering a high-quality service delivery.
• Work with volunteers to enhance efficient operations, consistent practices, and positive experience for both volunteers and clients on client database systems.
• Provide community resource materials, general information and referral to clients when social work staff are not available or onsite.
• Rotate regularly between the two SOVA pantry sites (both Los Angeles and SF Valley) and provide coverage at as needed.
• Perform daily data entry and reconciliation for the food pantry as required.
• Work collaboratively with SOVA Central Access staff and with partner organizations onsite.
• Report equipment, maintenance, security or facility issues to supervisor and program director.
• Positively represent the agency and program to all stakeholders.
• Attend all staff meetings andtrainingsasrequired.
• Other related duties as assigned.

This position reports to the Program Manager (Client Services).

Jewish Family Service is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.