Program Assistant (Reception)

Do you love being the person who sets the tone and makes every visitor feel welcome? Margie’s Market is a vibrant, choice-based community market offering free, nutritious food and supportive services that help neighbors thrive.

As our Program Assistant (Reception) at Margie’s Market, you’ll greet neighbors with warmth, help them get the information they need, and keep the flow of the market running with ease and positivity.

Join one of the largest and most respected nonprofit organizations in Southwest Florida; selected the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and acknowledged nationally as an industry thought leader. All Faiths Food Bank has been selected as one of the Best Companies to Work For for three consecutive years by Florida Trend Magazine and received the 2025 Top Workplaces Award by Sarasota Herald Tribune.

All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) works not only to fight hunger today but also strives to end hunger - forever - by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, enjoy better health outcomes, and achieve self-sufficiency.

SUMMARY:

The Program Assistant (Reception) serves as the primary point of contact for all clients and visitors to Margie’s Market, whether by telephone or in person. This position is critical in ensuring that all clients are properly registered into the client database, welcomed compassionately, provided with needed information, and/or directed to the appropriate staff member promptly

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Front Desk/Reception

• Serve as the face of Margie’s Market to all clients and visitors, whether in person or via phone, greeting all visitors to make them feel welcome
• Answer calls to the main phone number and address individual needs, transferring as appropriate
• Complete client registration forms for new clients, input data into the database, and check in clients during food distribution hours
• Conducts reminder calls to program participants for classes or other appointments
• Book appointments for benefits support and for shopping slots
• Oversee and update the resource database and referral process for neighbors

Outreach

• Reduces stigma and other barriers to food assistance programs by providing information to community members
• Prepares outreach materials as needed (flyers, business cards, etc.)
• Represents AFFB at health fairs and other public events to promote food programs and increase participation

Service delivery

• Makes referrals to AFFB internal programs, along with providing referrals to partner organizations for family support, health, and social service agencies in the area
• Documents program activities, follows data and reporting protocols
• Support on the market floor as needed

AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Flexibility is required. Working mornings, nights, and weekends is to be expected
• Standard anticipated schedule is as follows:

o Tuesday through Saturday

o Tuesday: 11 AM to 8 PM

o Wednesday: 11 AM to 8 PM

o Thursday: 6 AM to 3 PM

o Friday: 6 AM to 3 PM

o Saturday: 7 AM to 1 PM

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Computer literacy and proficiency in technology and common software, as well as the willingness to learn new systems and software
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening skills
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Capacity to navigate the social service system and advocate for others, through the display of empathy, respect, and understanding of community values
• Understanding of community resources
• Team player who enjoys working with diverse populations
• Other duties as assigned according to the role and mission
• Committed to serving vulnerable populations to end hunger in the community served by AFFB
• Acceptance of and commitment to AFFB’s values, vision, and mission

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of, or connection to, Newtown community required; resident or member of the community preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent
• English fluency is required
• Bilingual is required (Spanish)
• At least one year of experience with outreach, in the social services sector, or in a customer service-related role is required
• Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation required. Must meet underwriting requirements to drive fleet vehicles or personal vehicles for business purposes

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to extreme weather
• Moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to complete tasks in a noisy environment
• Must be able to remain standing or sitting for the majority of the shift

Our Mission, Values, Strategic Goals:

Together with our partners, we provide healthy solutions to end hunger in our community.

Values: Respectful, Transparent, Excel, Responsible, Innovative, Collaborative

Strategic Goals:

• Understand Our Neighbors’ Experience with Hunger
• Address Hunger from Our Neighbors’ Perspective
• Advance Our Neighbors’ Economic Mobility by Ending Hunger
• Help All Our Neighbors Recognize that Hunger is Next Door

Notice to external Recruiters and Recruitment Agencies: AFFB does not accept unsolicited headhunter or agency resumes. Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through our website, application process, or directly to any employee. AFFB will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company.

Equal Employment

We commit to providing policies, systems, and a culture in which our staff and those we serve are afforded equitable access and opportunities to reach their full potential and feel valued, respected, and supported.

To learn more about All Faiths, please go to our website:

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $20.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to lift up to 40 lbs?
• Are you willing to work in both indoor and outdoor environments with varying weather conditions?
• Are you available to work early mornings, nights, and weekends?
• Are you currently, or have you ever been, an employee of AFFB? If so, when and in what capacity?
• Are any of your relatives, household members employees at AFFB?
• What interests you MOST about this position?
• What is your expected/required compensation for this role?
• Knowledge of, and connection to, the Newtown community required; resident or member of the community preferred. Please explain your connection.

Experience:

• outreach, social services, or customer service: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Sarasota, FL 34234 (Required)

Work Location: In person