POSITION SUMMARY:

The SODO Community Market Assistant (SCMA) engages with Northwest Harvest’s (NWH) goal of cutting hunger rates in half by 2028 by: actively collaborating with and supporting the experiences of volunteers and shoppers; engaging with local communities; supporting dignified access to food resources utilizing a customer service approach; focusing on collaboration and teamwork; helping to ensure strategy alignment of all our programs and initiatives; and putting into practice our Six Agreements and our PACI values.

As a member of the Innovative Programs Team, the SCMA will support programs and initiatives that are aligned with our strategies and contribute to a healthy, engaged, productive, and influential team committed to collaboration and innovation across our programs. The SCMA is responsible for contributing to the overall health of the SCM Team and Innovative Programs Teams by working to build trust, engaging in constructive conflict, demonstrating commitment to team decisions, holding oneself and others accountable, and focusing on results. This role will receive most of the support and guidance from the SODO Community Market Manager (SCMM).

Schedule: This position may work into the early evenings on Mondays and may be required to work other occasional off-shift hours as necessary for special events or other duties assigned.

Travel: This position may be required to travel within the state of Washington.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Market Shopper and Volunteer Responsibilities

• Promote empathy, dignity, and respect in all interactions with shoppers, volunteers, staff, and visitors
• Provide customer service to our market shoppers, volunteers, donors, vendors, and visitors, by assisting with access to NWH services, this includes but is not limited to; facilitating an environment that celebrates food, creativity, nutrition, dignity, holistic care, and fun
• Assist shoppers in identifying and connecting with appropriate community resources in the area, including organizations using the Northwest Harvest Community Resource Room
• Support implementation of shopper feedback through surveys, conversation, and other engagement opportunities
• Ensure a safe and friendly Market environment, and maintain an orderly and timely flow through the Market space during in store shopping and drive through distribution days
• Model appropriate crisis prevention and de-escalation skills when interacting with shoppers experiencing hunger, crisis, or hardship and participate in follow-up debriefing and documentation
• Foster community building and relationship building with shoppers and community members
• Collaborate with the SCMM and Team to provide support, direction, and appreciation to volunteers as they distribute, re-package and sort food, or other assigned tasks
• Assist with leading volunteer orientations, team huddles, and information sharing
• Set up and break down the work areas throughout the day to set volunteers up for success and maintain a clean and safe work environment

Community Market and Operational Responsibilities

• Merchandise and re-stock the Market with available product to maintain a clean, engaging, and well-stocked grocery store setting
• Work with the SCMM and Team to ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of facility and equipment
• Assist with food receipts and distribution, ensuring proper temperature control, sanitary conditions, FIFO rotation, documentation, and appropriate handling
• Ensure all inventory protocols are tracked and observed (weights, receipts, inventory counts, data entry, etc.)
• Assist with loading and unloading delivery vehicles from Northwest Harvest’s Distribution Center, as well as the vehicles of vendors and individual donors
• Operate Northwest Harvest forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment in accordance with OSHA standards
• Adhere to OSHA and WISHA safety requirements to ensure a safe working environment

General Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a positive culture of hospitality, generosity, empathy, and graciousness, and model these Northwest Harvest values when interacting with other Northwest Harvest staff, volunteers, shoppers, donors, and visitors
• Attend team, department, and all-staff meetings, and serve on Northwest Harvest ad hoc committees/ cross functional teams, as necessary Participate in equity, strategy, and visioning initiatives
• Maintain a valid Washington State food worker card

Performs other duties as assigned by the SODO Community Market Manager.

Physical Demands