Co-op Assistant - Part Time

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ’s love for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ’s love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services to those in need – providing shelter, food, case management, as well as programs including Bridge of Hope, Rapid Rehousing, and our Bread for Life Co-Op.  

Now you, too, can help build upon our traditions and contribute your passion for caring for others and your desire to be a guiding light for Christ’s love to those caught in the storm by joining our dedicated team. Home Sweet Home Ministries offers employment opportunities for those with a desire to be part of a community committed to helping others.

Required schedule for this part-time position:

• • Wednesday 12 pm – 5 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm – 8 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Please note:  These hours are fixed and non-negotiable.

Part-time employees are offered a benefits package that includes:

• hourly pay of $17/hour
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match (employer match at employee one year anniversary date)
• paid time off
• free on-site meals and beverages

How You’ll Help Fulfill the HSHM Mission  

The Co-op Assistant – Part Time supports the day-to-day operations of the Bread for Life Food Co-op by assisting with stocking, donation processing, member support, and maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. This hands-on role works under the direction of the Lead Co-op Assistant and helps ensure a dignified, empowering shopping experience for all members. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Member Support & Service 

• Ensures the Bread for Life Co-op is fully prepared before shoppers arrive on shopping days. 

• Welcome and assist co-op members during shopping hours, helping them locate items, bag groceries, and navigate the shopping space. 

Stocking & Inventory & General Upkeep  

• Stores new donations and current stock in their proper location, in an organized fashion, on the shelves in dry storage, our reach-in coolers, the walk-in freezers, etc. 

• Restock shelves, freezers, and coolers using proper rotation methods. 

• Keep storage areas neat, organized, and clearly labeled. 

• Assist with basic inventory checks and communicate supply needs to the Lead Co-op Assistant. 

• Contribute to daily upkeep of the Co-op, including cleaning surfaces, organizing crates, disposing of trash and recycling, and assisting with laundry and dishes. 

Food Donation Support 

• Assist the Lead Co-op Assistant with food donation pickups by driving a company vehicle to local stores, restaurants, or the food bank, and helping load donations safely at each location. 

• Help unload food deliveries and donations. 

• Assist with weighing and recording incoming donations. 

• Sort, inspect, and store food items under supervision, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. 

Team Collaboration 

• Follow instructions from the Lead Co-op Assistant and communicate effectively with the Co-op Manager. 

• Represents Home Sweet Home Ministries in a positive light with all donors, recipients, clients, volunteers, and the general public. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 

• Prior experience working in a food pantry, warehouse, grocery, or similar environment preferred. Willingness to learn and follow food safety guidelines; food handler certification a plus. 

• Valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to safely operate a company vehicle. Must meet insurance eligibility requirements (minimum age 21) and be able to lift up to 75 pounds from service vehicles. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, primarily Email) 

• Ability to work cooperatively with others, and effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including volunteers and program participants. 

• Capable of following written and verbal instructions and working both independently and as part of a team. 

• Mission-oriented with values in harmony with those of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Inc. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to sit for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.