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 visitorsProvide 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 funAssist shoppers in identifying and connecting with appropriate community resources in the area, including organizations using the Northwest Harvest Community Resource RoomSupport implementation of shopper feedback through surveys, conversation, and other engagement opportunitiesEnsure 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 daysModel appropriate crisis prevention and de-escalation skills when interacting with shoppers experiencing hunger, crisis, or hardship and participate in follow-up debriefing and documentationFoster community building and relationship building with shoppers and community membersCollaborate with the SCMM and Team to provide support, direction, and appreciation to volunteers as they distribute, re-package and sort food, or other assigned tasksAssist with leading volunteer orientations, team huddles, and information sharingSet up and break down the work areas throughout the day to set volunteers up for success and maintain a clean and safe work environmentCommunity Market and Operational Responsibilities
Merchandise and re-stock the Market with available product to maintain a clean, engaging, and well-stocked grocery store settingWork with the SCMM and Team to ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of facility and equipmentAssist with food receipts and distribution, ensuring proper temperature control, sanitary conditions, FIFO rotation, documentation, and appropriate handlingEnsure 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 donorsOperate 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 environmentGeneral 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 visitorsAttend 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 initiativesMaintain a valid Washington State food worker cardPerforms other duties as assigned by the SODO Community Market Manager.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds consistently with an assisted lift or in a team lift environment and repeatedly, with or without reasonable accommodation when needed. The employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; balance; bend and reach with hands and arms; use feet to operate foot pedal operation; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to climb ladders, sit, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly required to work in an outdoor environment in both the heat of summer and the cold of winter.
Equity and Inclusion
Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact
Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency
RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal: This position encourages relationship building and frequent contact with staff of the SODO Community Market, Auburn Warehouse, Innovative Programs Team,, and All Staff. Communicate daily to ask questions, receive, and provide information.
External: This position will uphold Northwest Harvest’s commitment to ending hunger by acting as an Ambassador to the NWH brand by communicating effectively and frequently with Market shoppers, volunteers, vendors, donors, visitors, community members, and other NWH stakeholders.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A combination of the real-life experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.
Successful completion of a Background check is required.
Knowledge of:
General knowledge of non-profit organizations and issues related to food, hunger, housing, poverty issues and hunger relief systems. This includes but is not limited to cultural and institutional racism and their impact on societyGeneral knowledge and insight into the root causes of hungerGeneral knowledge of and appreciation for the experiences of people living in poverty and with food insecurityGeneral knowledge of food inventory operations: accurate product receipt and safe storage, FIFO/FEFO rotation, merchandizing, and zoningGeneral knowledge of safety requirements: food handling practices, equipment usage, and site-specific needsGeneral knowledge or the willingness to learn new systems such as Microsoft Office applications; particularly Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, and Teams, and ability to work efficiently and effectively with other organizational platforms such as ADP, Asana, Mural, Zoom, SharePoint, and Microsoft Dynamics NAV SystemsAbility to:
Understand individuals who experience poverty or food insecurity and demonstrate empathy towards all shoppers visiting the Market.Commit to Northwest Harvest’s PACI Values: Purpose-Driven, Anti-Racist, Connected, InterwovenCommit to Northwest Harvest’s Six Agreements: speak truths responsibly, listen to understand, stay engaged, experience discomfort and do things differently, expect and accept non-closure, and honor confidentialityIntegrate equity principles and practices into all functionsCommunicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues with multiple audiences.Demonstrate interest and commitment to equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ populations, people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses (including substance use), people experiencing homelessness, and people who do not speak English as their primary languageProvide compassionate, trauma-informed customer service in demanding or potentially difficult situationsQuickly organize, prioritize, and lead multiple tasksBuild a high aptitude for developing trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholdersPossess a high attention to detail to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, while anticipating and solving for potential problemsRespond quickly to inquiries and issues; customer service skills are essentialTake initiative and think critically by identifying, analyzing, and solving problemsAbility to successfully handle independent work and team collaboration in a changing environment with multiple deadlines and priorities. Be nimble and curious by asking questions to understand the merits of different approaches, and shift approach in response to demands of a situationHave and exercise a sense of humorEDUCATION AND TRAINING:
High School Diploma, GED Certification and/or equal combination of education and relevant work experience with a personal orientation as a life-long learner.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum (1) year experience in customer service, social services, human services, or similar work in a non-profit setting.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Non-profit experience is desired but not requiredThe ability to speak, additional language(s) is desired but not requiredLICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Certification in (or ability to obtain):
WA State food worker card certification is desired or can be completed within 14 days after date of hire. A food worker card can be obtained by visiting https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/. Cost of food worker card will be reimbursed by Northwest HarvestForklift/electric pallet jack certification is desired or can be completed within 30 days after date of hireDe-escalation and conflict resolution training to be completed within 30 days after date of hireDISCLAIMER:
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. As an adaptive organization, responsibilities can and will change in alignment with greater efficiencies and mission metrics.
BENEFITS AND OTHER COMPENSATION:
Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package this includes but is not limited to; medical/dental/ vision/ insurance, long term disability insurance, Life/AD&D insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) retirement plan, Vacation and Sick leave, 8 paid holidays; New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, Floating holidays for you to use should you observe a holiday not outlined in Northwest Harvests current observed holidays or at your discretion, and birthday holiday. Employees are eligible to participate in payroll deducted supplemental benefits i.e., Flexible Spending account-HRA and DCE, various AFLAC and New York Life plans.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The DCY CDL Class A Driver, contributes to Northwest Harvests mission by providing excellent customer service, transporting product in a safe and timely manner by picking up and dropping off product to additional sites and Food Banks within and throughout Washington while fulfilling assigned routes and time schedules.
This position plays an important role in engaging with surrounding communities throughout Washington State and supporting the Yakima Operations team by acting as an ambassador to the organization’s brand and serves as a liaison between the organization and our external stakeholders to ensure deliveries are made with the highest quality by engaging in a courteous manner.
In addition, the ideal candidate in this role engages in cutting hunger rates in half by 2028 through efficient and timely distribution of healthy and nutritious food to a diverse network of local and rural organizations throughout Washington State communities and will be able to work in a highly relational environment, is open to learning and using compassionate approaches to customer service, and brings a solid focus on advocating for hunger relief, collaboration, teamwork, and serving the organization’s mission while actively and collaboratively empowering the lives of Northwest Harvest employees to be challenging and fulfilling.
This position is regulated by the Department of Transportation and requires passing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and pre-employment drug test as required by federal and/or state department/s of transportation regulations, along with passing a vehicle road test conducted by Northwest Harvest. Due to the high awareness needed in this role, a constant state of alertness and operating in a consistent safe manner, it is important the CDL Class A Drivers have the ability to accept responsibility for their own safety, as well as the safety of others.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Driving Duties and overall expectations:
Operates commercial motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner Maintains clean driving record Immediately reports any traffic violations, accidents or property damage to Warehouse Supervisor Follows route given and communicates immediately with the Outbound Operations Manger or destination staff if change in schedule becomes necessaryCooperates with internal and external customers, suppliers and others with honesty, integrity, and respectful mannerPerforms daily inspection of vehicle as required by NWH to ensure the vehicle is in safe operating condition Willingly complies with all regulatory requirements including, state, federal, local laws, organization, and customer statutes or rulesNotifies supervisor when maintenance/repairs are necessaryAlways maintains vehicle cleanliness inside and outPerforms minor maintenance of vehiclesUnderstands and supports Northwest Harvests Mission and Values Helps to maintain the cleanliness of the warehousePerforms other duties as requested by supervisor or home warehouse managementMaintains a professional appearance and is easily identifiable as NWH employee by attire worn Completes accurate, legible daily paperwork as requiredPerforms quality spot checks of products delivered or picked upActs as liaison between the food banks, donors and warehouse staffLoading and unloading:
Responsible for loading and unloading of vehicle Operates forklifts, pallet jacks and other warehouse equipment in a safe and efficient mannerAssists with loading and unloading of other NWH vehicles if availableWarehouse:
Collectively and collaboratively assists with the warehouse team when neededPerforms other duties as assigned by the Distribution Center in Yakima (DCY) Transportation Supervisor, CDL Class-A DriverPhysical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up 50 pounds. For any lifting of over 51 pounds, assistance is provided either through an assisted lift or in a team lift environment consistently and repeatedly, with reasonable accommodation when needed. The employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; balance; bend and reach with hands and arms; use feet to operate foot pedal operation; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to climb ladders, sit, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
EQUITY & INCLUSION
Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact.
Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal: Frequent contact with all staff. Communicate daily to ask questions, receive, and provide information, discuss transportation issues, explain or interpret policies and practices, and provide direction and support leaders and staff regarding transportation issues.
External: Frequent contact with all staff. Communicate daily to ask questions, receive and provide information, discuss transportation issues, explain or interpret policies and practices, and provide direction and support leaders and staff regarding transportation issues.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A combination of the real-life experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.
Successful completion of a background check is required.
Knowledge of:
Local, state, and federal applicable Department of Transportation regulations Non-profit organizations and issues related to hunger, poverty, and food justiceGeneral knowledge of basic math skills and demonstrated attention to detailGeneral knowledge in warehouse operations and how product moves through a warehouse systemExperience in a warehouse atmosphere, including operating warehouse equipment – forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipmentGeneral knowledge or the willingness to learn new systems such as Microsoft Office applications; Outlook, Teams, Zoom and ability to work effectively with other organizational technology and platforms this includes but is not limited to ADP, SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics, NAV Systems, smart phonesAbility To:
Understand and provide empathy to individuals who have experienced poverty or food insecurityDemonstrate interest and commitment to supporting equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups, such as (but not limited to): racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ populations, people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses (including substance use), people experiencing homelessness, and people who do not speak English as their primary languageIntegrate equity principles and practices into all functionsAbility to read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or proceduresCommunicate and listen effectively, and successfully de-escalate potentially volatile situationsFlex communication style to multiple cultural environmentsProvide compassionate, trauma-informed customer service in demanding or potentially difficult situationsBuilds a high aptitude for developing trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholdersCapable of working unsupervised in a safe and efficient mannerAbility to respond quickly to inquiries and issues; customer service skills are essentialAbility to take initiative and think critically by identifying, analyzing, and solving problemsAbility to clearly communicate information in writing and verbally so others will understandAbility to work independently in a dynamic environment of change, challenge and multiple deadlines/priorities demonstrating organization, flexibility, efficiency, follow-through, and diplomacyAbility to work with a wide variety of people both internally and externally, in a skilled, helpful, and positive mannerAbility to plan, prioritize, and organize work to meet schedules and timelinesAbility to drive in winter conditions over the mountain pass. Check Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for weather advisories and plan accordingly making sure to abide by chain requirements during winter monthsEDUCATION AND TRAINING:
School Diploma, GED Certification or an equal combination of education and relevant work experience with a personal orientation as a lifelong learner.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum two (2) + years’ experience in commercial driving, customer service, human services, warehouse environment or food bank environment
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in a nonprofit organization is desired but not requiredLICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Valid Washington State Driver license with fully insurable driving record Valid Class A driver's license and ability to pass a DOT standard drug screen and physicalA current driver abstract obtained within the last (30) days via DOL is requiredSatisfy conditions as it applies to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) driver regulationsForklift/electric pallet jack certification is desired or can be completed within 30 days after date of hireDISCLAIMER:
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. As an adaptive organization, responsibilities can and will change in alignment with greater efficiencies and mission metrics.
BENEFITS AND OTHER COMPENSATION:
Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package this includes but is not limited to; medical/dental/ vision/ insurance, long term disability insurance, Life/AD&D insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) retirement plan, Vacation and Sick leave, 8 paid holidays; New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, Floating holidays for you to use should you observe a holiday not outlined in Northwest Harvests current observed holidays or at your discretion, and birthday holiday. Employees are eligible to participate in payroll deducted supplemental benefits i.e., Flexible Spending account-HRA and DCE, various AFLAC and New York Life plans.
