Bilingual Social Services Coordinator

Common Pantry is seeking a part-time Bilingual Spanish Speaking Social Services Coordinator. The Coordinator will work with the Social Services Program Manager to provide direct supportive services and targeted referrals to clients of Common Pantry. They will also assist with home delivery program operations.

Job Description

Direct Client Support (50%)

• Support with walk-in case management services during our four weekly food distributions
• Assist with one-on-one social services meetings with clients looking for assistance with benefits, housing, medical, legal, and any other needs
• Provide information and referrals for clients looking for resources
• Learn to complete SNAP and Medicaid applications with clients needing to apply for benefits
• Assist with procurement of supplies for clients from partner organizations
• Help with maintaining current partner organizations and onboarding new ones
• Ensure each client is treated with dignity and respect and help with attending to client grievances
• Communicate any client issues or questions to direct supervisor if needed
• Other duties and tasks as assigned

Home Delivery Support (30%)

• Assist with coordination of senior home delivery programs, including making bags, calling and onboarding clients, and packing deliveries
• Run volunteer food packing shifts
• Maintain home delivery schedule and work with operations team to ensure inventory for delivery
• Help arrange volunteer delivery subs when necessary
• Record deliveries in Link2Feed client management system

Administrative Tasks (15%)

• Assist with data collection initiatives and utilize client management record system to track interactions
• Assist with client communication materials, including quarterly client newsletter and client flyers
• Provide anonymous client stories for reports and marketing material
• Maintain confidentiality of client information in all written, oral, and electronic forms

Special Projects (5%)

• Support Social Services Program Manager with annual special programming:
• School Supply Distribution
• Winter Gear Distribution
• Holiday Gift Card Distribution

Candidate Profile

• Associate’s degree or minimum two years of undergraduate coursework required
• An understanding of, and belief in, the importance of food security for everyone
• Fluent Spanish speaking candidates only
• Background in Social Work or related field strongly preferred
• Work/volunteer experience in a nonprofit setting with vulnerable populations strongly preferred
• Knowledge of trauma informed care and harm reduction preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse pool of clients, staff, volunteers, and partners
• Ability to work flexibly both independently and in teams
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Strong organizational skills required
• Must be able to collaborate successfully across diverse cultural and social communities
• Working computer knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite required
• Valid driver’s license with ability to drive a medium sized commercial vehicle required
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with required Wednesday evenings and one a month on a Saturday
• Ability to lift 20-40lbs preferred, but not required
• For the safety of our clients, volunteers and staff, Common Pantry requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Job offers are contingent on proof of vaccination or medical/religious exemption.

Schedule & Salary

• Tuesday-Thursday schedule with potential Wednesday evenings
• Occasional Saturdays (for assistance needed with 2nd Saturday home delivery routes)
• Medical, Dental and Vision package with bi-monthly employee stipend provided
• PTO prorated for a part-time employee schedule, 10 paid holidays and week between Christmas and New Year off for end-of-year organizational closure
• Eligible 401k retirement plan after 6 months with employer contribution
• Professional development opportunities available
• In-house, clinical supervision available without cost
• 25 hours per week with salary rate $21-$23/hr commensurate with experience

Application Hiring Process

Common Pantry is deeply invested in finding the best candidate, even if you don’t meet every aspect of the profile listed above. We are investing and growing our team alongside our move into our new space and look forward to having a conversation with a variety of candidates.

The hiring process will include submission of a resume, cover letter, and one round of in-person interviews followed by finalist interviews.

Common Pantry does not discriminate against qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, mental illness, genetics, choice of health insurance, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

Common Pantry is a 501© (3) organization and was established in 1967 on Chicago’s north side. We are Chicago’s oldest continually operating food pantry. Our mission is to meet the emergency food needs of our community through weekly food distributions, home delivery service to elderly clients, and a hot lunch program.

*No phone calls, please*

Qualified candidates should email resume and cover letter to services@commonpantry.org and indicate “Bilingual Social Services Coordinator Position” in the subject line.