Program Assistant - Client Services (PCN 356)

About Us

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 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.

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 the client services database.
• Maintain food distribution policies and procedures while offering high-quality service delivery.
• Work with volunteers to enhance efficient operations, consistent practices, and a 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 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.

Requirements

• 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 a 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 judgment to efficiently manage schedule and organize multiple tasks.
• Culturally sensitive and has the ability to work with a multicultural customer population with empathy and understanding.
• Flexible and able to deal with change with a strong teamwork orientation.
• Ability to exhibit strong teamwork and leadership skills, present a professional demeanor, and maintain 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 a 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 a criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprinting) prior to beginning employment.

Schedule

Sunday through Thursday, with occasional Friday overtime required for program disbursements.

Benefits

JFS demonstrates our commitment to our staff by offering a comprehensive benefits package and a nurturing environment.