Program Assistant - Client Services (PCN 356)

JFSA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Family Service LA in Los Angeles is seeking a Program Assistant (Client Services) to support food pantry operations, enroll clients in the database, check in and out, and supervise volunteers. This role reports to the Program Manager (Client Services) and emphasizes accuracy in data handling and a high level of customer service.

Qualified applicants will have a High School Diploma and strong computer skills with Microsoft Office; experience with client services databases and volunteer

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma required.
• Experience in a food pantry, retail, or wholesale distribution preferred.
• Strong customer service orientation and communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office) and ability to work with client services database.
• Experience working with volunteers is a plus; ability to guide volunteers while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and handle change with teamwork.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Farsi, or Russian is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the food pantry site; ensure readiness, cleanliness, and order for daily operations.
• Process client data: enroll, re-register, check-in/out.
• Orient and coach new volunteers on the client services database.
• Maintain distribution policies and provide high-quality service delivery.
• Collaborate with volunteers to improve operations and client experience.
• Provide community resources and referrals when social work staff are unavailable.
• Rotate between SOVA pantry sites (LA and SF Valley) as needed.
• Daily data entry and reconciliation for the pantry.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Volunteer coordination

Teamwork / leadership

Data entry

De-escalation

Bilingual (Spanish/Farsi/Russian)

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 able to 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 and trainings as required.
• 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.