Bread for Life Co-op Assistant

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Home Sweet Home Ministries - Bloomington, IL 61701Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Not SpecifiedSalary Range: $17.00 - $17.00 HourlyJob Shift: DayPrimary Location Bread for Life Co-op at Home Sweet Home Ministries, 301 E Oakland Ave

Required Schedule  Tuesday-Saturday. Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat: 8:30AM-4:30PM; Thur: 12-8PM

Hourly Wage - $17/hour

NOT REMOTE JOB

 

The Co-op Assistant – Part Time supports the day-to-day operations of the Bread for Life Food Co-op by assisting with stocking, donation processing, member support, and maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. This hands-on role works under the direction of the Lead Co-op Assistant and helps ensure a dignified, empowering shopping experience for all members. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Member Support & Hospitality



Ensures the Bread for Life Co-op is fully prepared before shoppers arrive on shopping days. 





Welcome and assist co-op members during shopping hours, helping them locate items, bag groceries, and navigate the shopping space. 



Stocking & Inventory & General Upkeep  



Stores new donations and current stock in their proper location, in an organized fashion, on the shelves in dry storage, our reach-in coolers, the walk-in freezers, etc. 





Restock shelves, freezers, and coolers using proper rotation methods. 





Keep storage areas neat, organized, and clearly labeled. 





Assist with basic inventory checks and communicate supply needs to the Lead Co-op Assistant. 





Contribute to daily upkeep of the Co-op, including cleaning surfaces, organizing crates, disposing of trash and recycling, and assisting with laundry and dishes. 



Food Donation Support 



Assist with food donation pickups by driving a company vehicle to local stores, restaurants, or the food bank, and helping load donations safely at each location. 





Help unload food deliveries and donations. 





Assist with weighing and recording incoming donations. 





Sort, inspect, and store food items under supervision, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. 



Team Collaboration 



Collaborate with Shelter Food Services staff.


Assist with volunteer onboarding/training of the Co-op





Represents Home Sweet Home Ministries in a positive light with all donors, recipients, clients, volunteers, and the general public. 


Qualifications

Education and/or experience in the human services field. Experience with trauma informed principles in addressing client behavior preferred. 


Valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to safely operate a company vehicle. Must meet insurance eligibility requirements (minimum age 21) and be able to lift up to 75 pounds from service vehicles. 


Knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Outlook, Word, Excel) 


Well organized and self-motivated, and able to multi-task and effectively function in a high stress environment. 


Ability to demonstrate empathy, cultural competency, and a Christ-centered focus. 


Able to identify client needs and apply agency or community resources to meet that need, while balancing operational demands with client-centered service. 


Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality. 


Able to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries. 


Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. 


Demonstrate good written and verbal communication 


Ability to work cooperatively with others, and effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including volunteers and program participants. 


Capable of following written and verbal instructions and working both independently and as part of a team. 


Mission-oriented with values in harmony with those of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Inc.