Food Pantry Assistant ACCES VR Paid Internship

A Spanish version of this position is available upon request

La version de esta posicion esta disponible en Español si es requerida

Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families through a wide range of behavioral health and human services. We are committed to supporting individuals in achieving their goals through person-centered, community-based programs, including workforce development opportunities like ACCES-VR internships.

Position Title: Food Pantry Assistant (Temporary)
Program: ACCESS-VR Employment Program
Location: JCEO (Joint Council for Economic Opportunity) – Plattsburgh, NY
Status: Temporary, Part-Time

Work Schedule:
Monday 9am - 1:45pm, Wednesday 12pm - 2:45pm, and Thursday 9am - 1:45pm

Position Overview

The Food Pantry Assistant supports the daily operations of the JCEO Food Pantry by assisting with food inventory, stocking shelves, preparing food distributions, and maintaining an organized and welcoming environment for community members. This position provides valuable hands-on work experience while helping address food insecurity within the community.

This position is designed to provide supportive, supervised work experience through the ACCESS-VR program while contributing to JCEO's mission of improving the quality of life for individuals and families in the North Country.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, sort, and organize food donations and pantry inventory.
• Stock shelves, refrigerators, and storage areas with food and household items.
• Assist with assembling food packages and preparing orders for distribution.
• Help maintain inventory organization and monitor stock levels.
• Ensure pantry areas remain clean, organized, and safe.
• Assist staff with food pickups, deliveries, and unloading shipments as needed.
• Greet and interact respectfully with community members, volunteers, and staff.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, confidentiality, and workplace safety procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Eligible for ACCES-VR services and approved for a paid internship.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to follow directions and work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs with or without accommodation.

Skills Gained:

• Customer service and professional communication
• Teamwork and workplace collaboration
• Inventory management and organization
• Time management and task prioritization
• Food handling and safety practices
• Community service and nonprofit operations experience