Warehouse Specialist - Food Market

Description

Our History

In 1879, Father Bernard Donnelly established Mount St. Bernard’s Orphanage in Kansas City. With that one act of faith, hope and charity, many lives — and a community — were transformed.

And, from that humble beginning a strong tradition of compassionate care and social service took root, thrived, and grew to become Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Catholic Charities empowers at risk people to create a pathway out of poverty by alleviating their immediate crises to create stability; then providing robust support to lift them to dignity and self-reliance.

Today, millions of lives have been transformed, in the communities we serve. We have office locations in the Kansas City metro-area, St. Joseph, Missouri, a Food Pantry in Kansas City and another in Cameron, Missouri, while serving a 27-county region.

Our Culture/Mission Characteristics

While performing job duties, staff will:

• Follow the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings in all aspects while performing job duties.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and resolve conflict to achieve the greater good.
• Respect the diversity of talents and gifts of others and believe in cultivating those to promote personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate compassion and commitment for helping others improve their own lives.

Mission

Helping people move to a better life through hope-filled care, services, and advocacy; calling all those of goodwill to join us.

Vision

By lifting people in need to the dignity of self-reliance, and encouraging others to help, our communities will become one human family.

Values

Hope/Faith, Trust, Commitment, Collaboration

Objective:

The Warehouse Specialist supports daily food pantry operations by receiving, organizing, storing, and distributing food and essential items in a safe, efficient, and client-centered manner. This role ensures compliance with food safety standards, maintains digital inventory accuracy, and supports volunteers and staff to create a dignified and welcoming experience for pantry shoppers.

This full-time position is eligible for benefits and pays $23.08 per hour ($45,600 annually). This position is 100% on site. The work hours are Monday - Thursday from 7:15 am to 4:45 pm. The agency is closed on Fridays. Occasionally, the Warehouse Specialist may be asked to work some time outside of this schedule, due to agency needs, but most of the time, they will a enjoy 3-day weekend on most weeks!

Responsibilities:

Warehouse & Inventory Operations

• Receive, inspect, and properly store food and non-food donations in accordance with food safety guidelines (FIFO, temperature control, expiration dating).
• Sort, label, and rotate inventory to ensure quality and reduce waste.
• Maintain organized storage areas, coolers, freezers, and dry storage.
• Track inventory levels digitally and assist with data entry and reporting requirements.
• Prepare food and product orders for pantry distribution and partner agencies.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
• Monitor temperatures of refrigerators and freezers and document as required.
• Identify and remove nonconsumable, damaged, or unsafe products.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of warehouse, equipment, and work areas.
• Obtain Serve Safe Food Handler’s Permit.

Pantry & Client Support

• Assist with pantry setup, restocking shelves, and breakdown after service hours.
• Support client choice shopping model with professionalism and respect.
• Provide clear directions and assistance to shoppers as needed.
• Maintain a welcoming, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental environment.

Volunteer Support

• Assist in supervising and training volunteers on warehouse tasks, food safety, and proper handling procedures.
• Model positive communication and teamwork.
• Ensure volunteers are working safely and effectively.

General Duties

• Operate pallet jacks, carts, bailer and other warehouse equipment safely.
• Assist with loading/unloading deliveries and food drives.
• Communicate inventory needs, safety concerns, or operational issues to supervisor.
• Maintain auto fleet checklist for maintenance, appearance and sanitation.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support pantry operations.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives, including but not limited to Second Collection.
• Occasional evening or weekend shifts may be required.
• Occasional local travel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent experience).
• Basic computer skills (inventory systems, email, data entry).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse populations.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Safe driving record.

Preferred

• Previous warehouse, food pantry, or food service experience.
• Food safety certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Bilingual skills a plus.

Core Competencies

• Food safety and sanitation
• Organization and time management
• Clear and respectful communication
• Teamwork and adaptability
• Client dignity and service orientation

Physical Requirements:

• Physically active role requiring prolonged periods of standing, bending, lifting, and walking.
• Sitting at a computer for various amounts of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 40-50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in hot and cold climates, working in a cooler and freezer and in an environment with many noises.

I understand that as an employee of Catholic Charities I am expected to perform job duties in alignment with the following:

• Follows the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings in all aspects while performing job duties.
• Works collaboratively to achieve goals and resolves conflict to achieve the greater good.
• Respect for the diversity of talents and gifts of others and belief in cultivating those to promote personal and professional development.
• Demonstrates compassion and commitment for helping others improve their lives