The Outreach Services/Pantry Associate supports the Choice Food Pantry at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Neyer Outreach Center, including logistics of donation organization and pick-up; eligibility determination of individuals seeking food assistance, and working with volunteers to provide a positive volunteer experience. The Associate also coordinates the Bed Program and Christmas Together program.
This position is part of the Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati (VVC) program, a faith-based, year-long, residential service program, providing young professionals in their twenties an opportunity to grow in faith, friendship and service by giving deeply of themselves to individuals and families in need.
VVC members serve full-time in a unique work placement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. They live together in a house provided by the program, in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, walking distance from SVDP’s Outreach Center. 100% of program alumni reported experiencing personal and professional growth through VVC.
Service Activities
In this position, you will coordinate the Bed Program – which provides beds to families in need; coordinate a Christmas/holiday program, as well as help to facilitate the annual Fan and A/C distribution program in the summer. This position will include providing support for the Choice Food Pantry by shopping with neighbors visiting the pantry, stocking shelves, and engaging with volunteers. You will have ample opportunity to exercise your organizational and relational skills in this position.
Community Need Addressed
Coordination of the "Christmas Together" gift sponsorship program at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, as well as the bed distribution program to families in need. Food insecurity; food deserts; quality, nutritious food; nutrition education
Position Outcomes
Families-in-need will be partnered with donors seeking to provide gifts during the Christmas season, and families in need will be able to receive beds. Families and individuals will have regular, monthly access to quality, nutritious food, and they will have the opportunity to choose for themselves what it is they take home.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
This program also covers: three overnight retreats during the program year; weekly formation meetings on topics of social justice with program manager; monthly leadership development workshops; 1:1 professional mentor (meet monthly); all basic living expenses (room, utilities, board, internet); health insurance; renter's insurance; monthly personal stipend ($145); monthly phone stipend ($50); monthly transportation stipend ($30 - local bus tickets); plus an Education Award (~ $6,000, depending on pell grant) upon completion of service.
Skills you will gain
community-building, teamwork, professional skills/norms, professional communication, one-on-one interaction, project prioritization, collaboration, public speaking, time management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment