Bread for Life Co-op Assistant

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ's love for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ's love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services to those in need - providing shelter, food, case management, as well as programs including Bridge for Hope, Rapid Rehousing, and our Bread for Life Co-Op. Now you, too, can help build upon our traditions and contribute your passion for caring for others and your desire to be a guiding light for Christ's love to those caught in the storm by joining our dedicated team as a Residential Assistant. In this role, you will coordinate residential care for homeless men, women, and children who are staying at Home Sweet Home Ministries while demonstrating hospitality, positivity, and promoting an environment welcoming to life transformation. Also, you will serve as an ambassador to the community and provide care and resources to non-residential clients who may connect with Home Sweet Home Ministries for services.Why Work at Home Sweet Home Ministries?Purpose-Driven ImpactMake a meaningful difference every day. Your work helps restore hope and dignity to individuals in our community while sharing Christ's love and compassion.Comprehensive Full-Time BenefitsWe care for our team so you can care for others.Medical, dental, and vision insuranceShort- and long-term disability coverageEmployer-paid life insurance403(b) retirement plan with employer match (after one year of employment)Section 125 Flexible Spending Account (FSA)Generous paid time offFree on-site meals and beveragesJoin a Caring TeamWork alongside compassionate, mission-driven colleagues who are committed to serving others and making a lasting impact.Primary Location Bread for Life Co-op at Home Sweet Home Ministries, 301 E Oakland AveRequired Schedule Tuesday-Saturday. Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat: 8:30AM-4:30PM; Thur: 12-8PMHourly Wage - $17/hourNOT REMOTE JOBThe 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 RESPONSIBILITIESMember Support & HospitalityEnsures 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 UpkeepStores 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 SupportAssist 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 CollaborationCollaborate with Shelter Food Services staff.Assist with volunteer onboarding/training of the Co-opRepresents Home Sweet Home Ministries in a positive light with all donors, recipients, clients, volunteers, and the general public.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 communicationAbility 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.