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Berkeley Food Network

Community Outreach Associate

Berkeley Food Network, Berkeley

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Role: Community Outreach Associate – supports Berkeley Food Network’s Home Delivery Program, delivers food directly to the community, and assists the CalFresh Partnerships Program. Plays a key role in expanding community interactions and collaborates across departments. Reports to the Senior Program Manager.

Hours: Full‑time, 37.5 hours/week. Non‑exempt, hourly.

Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 9:00 am — 5:00 pm.

Location: On‑site at West Berkeley warehouse.

Compensation: Starting at $25.00 /hour.

Outreach Support (40%)

  • Support the CalFresh Partnerships Program.
  • Engage in training related to CalFresh enrollment & outreach.
  • Attend necessary trainings, conduct pre‑screening interviews, and help community members with CalFresh applications.
  • Provide direct outreach to assist with CalFresh pre‑screening processes.
  • Track outreach efforts and prepare data reports on program performance with the Programs Team.
  • Support outreach tabling at the 9th Street Pantry & Mobile Pantries.
  • Create & distribute quarterly community newsletters announcing service changes, closures, and other updates.
  • Gather feedback and suggestions from pantry and Home Delivery recipients.
  • Conduct interviews and surveys to improve services.

Direct Distribution Program Support (40%)

Home Delivery

  • Assist with home delivery member onboarding.
  • Help Home Delivery volunteers with box packing, organization, route assignments, and delivery instructions.
  • Ensure grocery boxes are picked up by driving volunteers from BFN and partner organizations.
  • Deliver home delivery boxes to community members throughout Berkeley using BFN’s van as needed.
  • Provide positive customer service to volunteers and members.

9th Street Pantry & Mobile Pantries

  • Support closing of the 9th Street Pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays as scheduled.
  • Attend Mobile Pantries to facilitate smooth operations.
  • Become familiar with the Client Voice software system to check in pantry guests and enter new data for residents registering for services.

Organizational Support (20%)

  • Lead by example: train volunteers on best practices for packing, delivery, and customer service.
  • Solicit and report volunteer feedback and answer questions.
  • Maintain food handling best practices to prevent spoilage, infestation, and cross‑contamination.
  • Keep warehouse and workstations clean and participate in daily cleaning.
  • Assist Program Coordinators with additional support as needed.
  • Attend Program Team meetings, Staff meetings, and other gatherings.
  • Support other tasks as required by the organization.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Required Qualifications

  • At least 1 year of experience providing excellent customer service to marginalized, low‑income communities.
  • Strong organizational & project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication; comfortable with presentations and public speaking.
  • Intermediate‑to‑advanced proficiency in MS Office or Google Workspace Suite.
  • Valid California driver’s license with an insurable driving record; vehicle ownership not required.
  • Problem‑solving skills in an ever‑changing environment; high flexibility and adaptability.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.
  • High personal responsibility and accountability to tasks.
  • Cordial and helpful communication style with staff, volunteers, clients, and partners.
  • Confident, respectful interaction with diverse individuals and backgrounds.
  • Comfortable working with non‑English speaking community members.
  • Collaborative problem‑solver able to resolve issues within scope and know when to elevate to management.
  • Strong work ethic focused on continuous improvement.
  • Team player balancing operational and organizational needs.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Multilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, or Nepali.
  • Experience in a client‑facing social services nonprofit; food banking experience a plus.
  • Familiarity with Smartsheets, Airtable, or Asana.
  • In‑depth knowledge of northern Alameda County, including Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, and Oakland.
  • Experience as a delivery driver or in route‑planning logistics.
  • Understanding of the CalFresh program.

Physical Requirements

  • Bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, squatting, stooping, and lifting up to 65 lbs.
  • Mobility to respond to moving vehicles, equipment, and loud warehouse sounds.
  • Work in temperatures ranging from minus 2 to 90 °F.
  • Traverse the warehouse floor frequently throughout the shift.
  • Stand/sit for the scheduled shift.
  • Operate computer equipment and a two‑way radio.
  • Communicate clearly and loudly.
  • Work outdoors in seasonal weather for part of the shift.
  • Proven punctuality and attendance.

Compensation and Benefits

  • $25.00 /hour starting wage.
  • 21 paid holidays, including the week of the Fourth of July and the year‑end break.
  • Accrued paid leaves: up to 10 vacation days and up to 80 paid sick leave hours in the first year, plus a birthday day off.
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 3% matching.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage: 100% premium coverage on the Kaiser Gold base plan; optional buy‑up available.
  • Life and long‑term disability coverage; Employer Assistance Program offered at no cost.
  • Professional development opportunities.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your resume and cover letter using this link .

In your cover letter:

  • Introduce yourself and your relevant work experience.
  • Describe your experience or interest in food, food assistance, food justice, or nonprofits.
  • Share what makes you a good candidate for this role.

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