Job Details

Role: Community Outreach Associate – supports Berkeley Food Network's Home Delivery Program, delivers food directly to the community, and assists the CalFresh Partnerships Program. Plays a key role in expanding community interactions and collaborates across departments. Reportsto the Senior Program Manager.

Hours: Full‑time, 37.5 hours/week. Non‑exempt, hourly.

Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 9:00 am — 5:00 pm.

Location: On‑site at West Berkeley warehouse.

Compensation: Starting at $25.00 /hour.

Outreach Support (40%)

• Support the CalFresh Partnerships Program.
• Engage in training related to CalFresh enrollment & outreach.
• Attend necessary trainings, conduct pre‑screening interviews, and help community members with CalFresh applications.
• Provide direct outreach to assist with CalFresh pre‑screening processes.
• Track outreach efforts and prepare data reports on program performance with the Programs Team.
• Support outreach tabling at the 9th Street Pantry & Mobile Pantries.
• Create & distribute quarterly community newsletters announcing service changes, closures, and other updates.
• Gather feedback and suggestions from pantry and Home Delivery recipients.
• Conduct interviews and surveys to improve services.

Direct Distribution Program Support (40%)

Home Delivery

• Assist with home delivery member onboarding.
• Help Home Delivery volunteers with box packing, organization, route assignments, and delivery instructions.
• Ensure grocery boxes are picked up by driving volunteers from BFN and partner organizations.
• Deliver home delivery boxes to community members throughout Berkeley using BFN's van as needed.
• Provide positive customer service to volunteers and members.

9th Street Pantry & Mobile Pantries

• Support closing of the 9th Street Pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays as scheduled.
• Attend Mobile Pantries to facilitate smooth operations.
• Become familiar with the Client Voice software system to check in pantry guests and enter new data for residents registering for services.

Organizational Support (20%)

• Lead by example: train volunteers on best practices for packing, delivery, and customer service.
• Solicit and report volunteer feedback and answer questions.
• Maintain food handling best practices to prevent spoilage, infestation, and cross‑contamination.
• Keep warehouse and workstations clean and participate in daily cleaning.
• Assist Program Coordinators with additional support as needed.
• Attend Program Team meetings, Staff meetings, and other gatherings.
• Support other tasks as required by the organization.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Required Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience providing excellent customer service to marginalized, low‑income communities.
• Strong organizational & project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; comfortable with presentations and public speaking.
• Intermediate‑to‑advanced proficiency in MS Office or Google Workspace Suite.
• Valid California driver's license with an insurable driving record; vehicle ownership not required.
• Problem‑solving skills in an ever‑changing environment; high flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.
• High personal responsibility and accountability to tasks.
• Cordial and helpful communication style with staff, volunteers, clients, and partners.
• Confident, respectful interaction with diverse individuals and backgrounds.
• Comfortable working with non‑English speaking community members.
• Collaborative problem‑solver able to resolve issues within scope and know when to elevate to management.
• Strong work ethic focused on continuous improvement.
• Team player balancing operational and organizational needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, or Nepali.
• Experience in a client‑facing social services nonprofit; food banking experience a plus.
• Familiarity with Smartsheets, Airtable, or Asana.
• In‑depth knowledge of northern Alameda County, including Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, and Oakland.
• Experience as a delivery driver or in route‑planning logistics.
• Understanding of the CalFresh program.

Physical Requirements

• Bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, squatting, stooping, and lifting up to 65 lbs.
• Mobility to respond to moving vehicles, equipment, and loud warehouse sounds.
• Work in temperatures ranging from minus 2 to 90 °F.
• Traverse the warehouse floor frequently throughout the shift.
• Stand/sit for the scheduled shift.
• Operate computer equipment and a two‑way radio.
• Communicate clearly and loudly.
• Work outdoors in seasonal weather for part of the shift.
• Proven punctuality and attendance.

Compensation and Benefits

• $25.00 /hour starting wage.
• 21 paid holidays, including the week of the Fourth of July and the year‑end break.
• Accrued paid leaves: up to 10 vacation days and up to 80 paid sick leave hours in the first year, plus a birthday day off.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 3% matching.
• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage: 100% premium coverage on the Kaiser Gold base plan; optional buy‑up available.
• Life and long‑term disability coverage; Employer Assistance Program offered at no cost.
• Professional development opportunities.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your resume and cover letter using this link.

In your cover letter:

• Introduce yourself and your relevant work experience.
• Describe your experience or interest in food, food assistance, food justice, or nonprofits.
• Share what makes you a good candidate for this role.