What are the responsibilities and job description for the Client Advocate position at Thurston County Food Bank?
THIS JOB POST CLOSES 3.28.2025
SUMMARY JOB DESCRIPTION:
This position is responsible for providing supportive services to food bank clients. Primary responsibilities include assisting clients in applying for community service programs, basic information and referral as well as client screening. Recruit and train volunteers for administrative and data entry tasks.
This position is a part of a team that rotates working services between pantries located in Lacey and downtown Olympia.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist clients in determining eligibility and accessing available programs and resources such as the Basic Food Program and others as identified by the organization.
- Coordinate with other providers to expand access to program participants to other community resources by establishing and maintaining community and organizational relationships.
- Assist the program supervisor/manager/director in training and onboarding new staff, ensuring they develop the necessary skills and competencies to perform their roles independently.
- Monitor program materials for accuracy and availability to clients.
- Help facility staff prepare for client use by creating a clean and welcoming environment.
- Prepare reports as required by the supervisor.
- Assist volunteers tasked with basic data entry, application assistance, and other organizational administrative needs.
- Train and orient volunteer staff on Federal, State, and local program standards, job requirements, philosophy, and mission of the food bank.
- Provide backup as needed for other program staff.
- Serve as an active Food Bank staff member, including participation in meetings, training, fundraising efforts, and other planned activities.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Ability to work with individuals of varying socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
- Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to understand and apply the philosophy and mission of the Thurston County Food Bank.
- Ability to maintain flexible work hours to accommodate meeting schedules, staff training, and other agency-related activities.
- Knowledge of the needs of our client base.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with large-scale client management
- Computer literacy including use of word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
- Food Handler’s permit or ability to obtain one within 30 days
PREFERRED SKILL
- Bilingual - Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Cambodian, or Russian
Salary & Benefits: $23.78 - $25.99/hour starting wage (d.o.e.), $23.78 - $32.92 full salary range (svc yr based), 32 hours/week. Employee benefits include employer-paid medical coverage, vision, and dental for employees and begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Coverage for spouses, partners, and dependents is also available. Paid time off, matching retirement contributions.
Work Location: This position will work out of our client service center located in our downtown Olympia Food Pantry/Client Service Center located at 220 THURSTON AVE NE, OLYMPIA WA 98501.
The Thurston County Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek to provide equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected under the law. We are dedicated to cultivating a diverse workforce that serves and reflects our community.
Salary : $24 - $26