The Newton Food Pantry seeks a part-time Client Services Coordinator for approximately 15-20 hours per week, primarily on Tuesdays through Thursdays, split between the pantry and remotely. This position will report to the Client and Volunteer Engagement Manager. Responsibilities include:

• Respond to inquiries from new and existing clients, primarily through email and phone. Collaborate with Newton Food Pantry volunteers who can assist with language translations;
• Work with Pantry clients to clarify Newton residency, household membership, appointment scheduling, and other needs;
• Help collaborate and coordinate with local partners (e.g., Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Newton Public Schools, Newton Housing Authority, City of Newton’s Health and Human Services Department, etc.) who engage with and support Newton Food Pantry clients through our delivery and shopping programs;
• Manage the Pantry’s client services database (Oasis), including entering new client registration data, updating existing data, and running weekly pantry service reports;
• Manage regular review of appointment schedules to ensure space is available for additional clients;
• Coordinate annual client re-registration and USDA eligibility processes and data entry;
• Coordinate client communications about changes to the pantry’s operating schedule (e.g., closings), including flyers, Oasis email blasts, and social media posts;
• Collaborate with Pantry staff and volunteer leaders to help identify, design, and adapt policies and procedures to strengthen client services.
  
  

Qualifications and Competencies

• High school diploma/GED required; college degree preferred;
• Written and verbal fluency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred. Would also consider those with multilingual skills in English and Mandarin or Russian;
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment while adapting to client needs on a regular basis;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and organizational skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Pantry staff and volunteers;
• Valid driver’s license in good standing.

About the Newton Food Pantry

The Newton Food Pantry, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, works to alleviate food insecurity in Newton by providing free supplemental food assistance and personal care products to community members in need, serving them with dignity, compassion, and respect.

The Newton Food Pantry supports more than 2,500 Newton residents through home deliveries and in-pantry shopping. The Newton Food Pantry also operates the Newton Community freedge, a 24/7 publicly accessible refrigerator and dry pantry, and supports dry pantries at both Lasell University and William James College.

Founded in 1983, the Newton Food Pantry is a “choice pantry” through which Newton residents can select for themselves the fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant foods they need and want. The Newton Food Pantry currently serves clients by appointment on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Client walk-in hours are Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Clients can shop in the pantry any 2 weeks per month.

The organization is led by a staff of 3 ½ and is powered each week by more than 120 volunteers who help support pantry operations and client services. Approximately 55% of our clients speak a language other than English at home.

The Newton Food Pantry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

As part of our mission to alleviate food insecurity in Newton, we believe all people have the right to access nutritious food through community-based approaches. We believe that no one deserves to go hungry. As an integral part of this community, the Newton Food Pantry has and will continue to open its arms to all members of the community regardless of their race, color, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and pregnancy), genetic information, religion, political views, disability, veteran status, age or national origin. We treat those in need with compassion, dignity and respect.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to newtonfoodpantry@gmail.com, attention Jeff Lemberg, Executive Director. No telephone calls, please.