Program Coordinator

The Connecticut Foodshare Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions has an exciting opportunity for a Program Coordinator. The goal of the Institute is to serve as a resource for food banks and community partners by providing strategies for holistic solutions to hunger. A key initiative of the Institute is to help food pantries offer More Than Food by connecting individuals to community resources, offering healthy client choice with a dignified culture of customer service. As a staff member of the Institute, the Program Coordinator is responsible for providing trainings and supporting agencies to promote better practices to promote health and long-term solutions to hunger. Responsibilities include coordinating capacity-building trainings and resources to help food banks and food pantries connect individuals to community resources, enhance dignity within the customer experience, and evaluate the impact of their work. The Program Coordinator provides support for the Institute and performs responsibilities consistent with the Institute’s goals. This position will report to the Program Manager of the Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions.

 The salary range for this position is $17.50 per hour to $26.00 per hour depending upon experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate programs and trainings which includes, but is not limited to:

·        Coordinate programs and interventions to increase food security and promote health and stability. This includes promoting the More Than Food framework (helping agencies provide community connections, a welcoming culture, and healthy client choice), as well as future initiatives.

·        Assist with presentations, trainings, webinars, research briefs and manuals to share better practices and evidence-based solutions so other partners can implement them.

·        Collaborate with Connecticut Foodshare staff and community partners to build capacity within food pantries to address the root causes of hunger.

Support food pantries and food banks to use better practices:

·        Conduct capacity assessments to determine readiness of food pantries to enhance the dignity within the customer experience and address root causes of hunger.

·        Provide ongoing support and technical assistance to food banks and pantries currently using the More Than Food framework, particularly for coaches working with individuals to set goals for stability and self-sufficiency.

·        Collaborate with Institute staff and Connecticut Foodshare Partner Network team to identify food pantries in the food bank’s network that are ready to implement or expand referrals to community resources using the More Than Food framework; provide training and resource materials, and follow-up support.

·        Communicate periodically with food banks and pantries using or interested in More Than Food with updated materials and information.

·        Develop and share strategies related to connecting clients to community services to address root causes of hunger and providing a welcoming food pantry culture.

Provide program leadership and direction:

·        Serve as a point of contact for the Institute to help build capacity and provide resources to community partners.

·        Support the initiatives of the Institute to further its strategic goals.

Education and Experience:

·        Bachelor’s degree and/or 5 years of experience in social work or related field.

·        Persons with food pantry experience are encouraged to apply.

Key Skills: 

·        Exceptional interpersonal skills with the proven ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals and groups in a multicultural environment.

·        Comfortable speaking in group settings and with diverse audiences; strong presentation and communication skills (verbal and written).

·        Fluency in English and Spanish a plus.

·        Knowledge of social service programs such as energy assistance and child care programs and how to research community programs.

·        Knowledge of and experience with helping connect individuals to community programs by providing referrals in community-based settings.

·        Knowledge and understanding of food insecurity and charitable food system.

·        Knowledge of motivational interviewing and the stages of change a plus.

·        Must be skilled with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, video conferencing, and other software systems.

·        Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, remain calm under pressure, and meet deadlines.

·        Ability to handle difficult or complex situations and/or relationships with tact, confidence, and diplomacy.

·        Must have reliable transportation to perform duties as frequently as 10 times per month.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources:

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/885385/Connecticut-Food-Bank/Program-Coordinator

Connecticut Foodshare is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Connecticut Foodshare maintains a drug-free workplace.