Meals on Wheels Program Assistant (Part Time)

Be the friendly face and helping hand that brings warmth, nutrition, and support to seniorsjoin us as a Meals on Wheels Program Assistant and make each day brighter!

The Meals on Wheels Program Assistant is a part-time position at our partner site, the Sandwich, IL Senior Center, supporting the efficient delivery of nutritious meals to seniors and contributing to their health, social well-being, and independence. This role involves coordinating meal deliveries, supporting clients and congregate center engagement, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the program. The Program Assistant works closely with other staff members, volunteers, clients and community partners to ensure the program operates effectively.

The ideal candidate will have natural compassion for seniors and individuals with disabilities, reliable, collaborative and proficient with MS Office.

EXAMPLES OF MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• • Conduct assessments and re-evaluations of clients to determine program eligibility.
  • Support kitchen staff with basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, chopping, portioning ingredients, and packaging as needed.
  • Support volunteers with daily route assignments, meal packaging instructions, and client updates.
  • Assist with loading meals into transport containers and organizing distribution at the Senior Center for volunteer pickup.
  • Participate in MOW delivery for Hot Shot routes and urgent, unplanned, or last-minute meal delivery needs.
  • Maintain accurate client records, documenting changes in meal needs, delivery schedules, dietary restrictions, and other required MOW program areas.
  • Maintain, track and order inventory of food menu ingredients, packaging materials and all other essential items used in managing the MOW program.
  • Review all food vendor invoices to verify the accuracy of quantities, pricing, and any applicable discounts, ensuring alignment with purchase orders and deliveries received.
  • Facilitate regular Bingocize sessions, a fitness and social engagement program that combines bingo with exercise activities, tailored to seniors needs and abilities.
  • Assist with financial tasks, including preparing and making bank deposits for program-related funds, donations, or payments.
  • Provide seniors and their families with information on additional Senior Center programs and resources.
  • Represent the Senior Center at community outreach events, as directed, to raise awareness of the Meals on Wheels program.
  • Respond promptly to phone calls, providing helpful information to clients, volunteers, and community members. Direct inquiries to the appropriate staff and take messages as needed.
  • Prepare reports on program performance, including meal delivery stats, client feedback, and volunteer engagement as requested.
  • Always maintain volunteer and client confidentiality.
  • Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The duties of this position require frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and occasionally driving a motor vehicle for extended periods of time. May require lifting or moving objects up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone, and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be comfortable working in a busy Senior Center environment and traveling short distances to assist with meal delivery.

Voluntary Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status or any other status protected by law.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent; coursework in social work or nutrition is a plus.
• Illinois Food Sanitation License preferred. Must obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Bingocize Certification highly preferred. Certification within 30 days of hire, required.
• Experience working with senior services or in a health or community service environment is highly preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with data entry and Microsoft Office required.
• Must be dependable, team oriented and adaptable.
• Compassionate and patient demeanor, with a commitment to supporting seniors' needs.
• Valid drivers license and clean driving record required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with the unique physical, nutritional, and social needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effectively interacting with clients, volunteers, and team members; capable of explaining information clearly and empathetically.
• Basic knowledge of food handling, preparation, and storage to maintain a safe kitchen environment.
• General knowledge of inventory tracking, order processing, and stock organization to manage supplies effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and make sound independent decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and software programs that manage client records, volunteer schedules, and inventory.
• Empathetic, patient and understanding.
• Ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with individuals who may have varying levels of independence.
• Works well in a team setting, coordinating with kitchen staff, volunteers, and program coordinators to support program goals.
• Ability to maintain client privacy and confidentiality, handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Must pass a background check and a pre-employment physical examination.