Program Assistant

ICA Job Description

Job Title: Programs Assistant

Department: Operations / Food Programs

Reports To: Food Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Pay: $21-24/hour

The Programs Assistant is an entry-level, people-facing role that supports ICA’s food distribution programs by helping ensure smooth, welcoming, and efficient experience for clients and volunteers. This position supports both front-of-the-house activities and behind-the-scenes program tasks, helping food move from shelf to client with dignity and care. This role is ideal for someone with human services experience who enjoys working with people, supporting community members, and contributing to positive, respectful service environments.

Client & Program Support (Front of the House)

• Support the K-Tel shopping experience by assisting with client flow, questions, and way finding
• Support off-site markets and pantries, helping ensure organized, welcoming distribution experiences
• Assist clients as appropriate, always centering dignity, respect, and choice
• Work alongside volunteers to support smooth service delivery

Program Operations & Behind-the-Scenes Support

• Assist with stocking shelves, restocking food areas, and maintaining organized program spaces
• Prepare and organize program paperwork and materials
• Enter program-related records and basic data accurately and timely
• Support set-up and breakdown for program days and off-site distributions

Volunteer Support

• Work collaboratively with volunteers during program operations
• Provide task-level guidance to volunteers as directed by Program Manager
• Model respectful, inclusive communication and strong customer service

Light Cleaning & Facility Support

• Perform light cleaning and tidying of program spaces during and after service
• Support general cleanliness of client and volunteer areas (shared responsibility across ICA staff)
• Report safety, facility, or supply needs to appropriate leads

Safety, Quality & Values

• Follow ICA policies related to client service, confidentiality, and safety
• Support a trauma-informed, culturally responsive service environment
• Flag issues, questions, or improvement ideas to supervisors
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented workplace culture

• Experience or background in human services, social services, nonprofit, or community-based work
• Comfort interacting with diverse clients and volunteers
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain client confidentiality
• Reliability, professionalism, and a team-oriented mindset

• Experience in food shelf, community pantry, or client-facing service environments
• Familiarity with trauma-informed or culturally responsive service approaches
• Experience entering basic records or data in program systems
• Bilingual or multilingual skills (a plus)

• Ability to stand and move throughout program spaces for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 30–40 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work in busy, active service environments

• Client-centered and service-oriented mindset
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliability and professionalism
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain confidentiality
• Team-oriented mindset
• Respect for diverse clients, staff, volunteers, and communities

All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive.

Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

I acknowledge that I have received this position description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions. Failure to meet the expectations of this job may result in disciplinary action up to and including release of employment.

Employee Acknowledgment

Date: