Berkeley Food Network
Community Outreach Associate
Berkeley Food Network, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr