Program and Site Description:
Hunger Intervention Program (www.hungerintervention.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to end hunger in Seattle by collaborating with community partners. HIP has been engaged in providing food access to the local community for more than 15 years. Originally serving exclusively as a meal program, HIP continues to work to distribute food to those who need it most with an increased focus on cooking and nutrition education. HIP’s programs include a weekend food backpack program for kids and food bank cooking demonstrations.
Member Duties and Responsibilities:
The 2012-13 HIP Americorps member will play an integral role at HIP, providing direct services to the Lake City and greater North Seattle communities. This position requires a proactive, motivated, well-organized and culturally competent individual with the ability to communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Americorps member will participate in our Healthy HIP Packs program and cooking demonstrations as well as other organization activities.
Healthy HIP Packs Responsibilities (50%):
• Assist with monthly planning including but not limited to maintaining inventory, planning menu, and compiling food needs.
• Coordinate monthly packing party including but not limited to contacting volunteers, ensuring equipment and materials are available, overseeing clean up and proper storage.
• Create weekly newsletter and additional materials for HIP Packs.
• Finalize packs for distribution each week.
• Correspond regularly with school contacts, volunteers, and community partners.
• Assist with coordination of program expansion including but not limited to outreach to other schools and pilot projects.
• Assist with fundraising projects for program expansion (to comprise no more than 10% of member’s total hours).
• Additional duties as required.
Cooking Demonstrations Responsibilities (30%):
• Assist with creation of recipes in consultation with HIP Program Manager and the food bank.
• Prepare materials for demonstration including but not limited to gathering equipment and preparing recipe cards and visual displays.
• Maintain equipment and materials and transport to and from the food bank.
• Observe safe food handling and proper sanitation procedures.
• Serve with HIP volunteers to present demonstration at food bank.
• Maintain records and fulfill evaluation activities as needed.
• Additional duties as required.
General HIP duties (20%):
• Serve alongside volunteers, maintain volunteer data and assist with volunteer recruitment.
• Assist HIP Program Manager with food ordering, tracking, storage and menu planning.
• Ensure the safety of food and comply with local health and safety standards
• Assist with food preparation as needed.
• Ensure food and supplies are properly stored and maintained.
• Additional duties as required.
Qualifications required for this position:
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of cooking, following recipes and how to 'troubleshoot' food production issues.
• Familiarity with food production equipment.
• Demonstrated food safety and sanitation knowledge.
• Passion for working with diverse clients, staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to serve independently and as a team member.
• Flexible, resourceful, and adaptable to unexpected situations.
• Excellent oral and written skills and ease in talking to the public.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Well organized, detail oriented, and able to successfully multi-task.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or other languages a plus.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, reach, bend, stand or kneel repeatedly.
• Must have or obtain a current Washington State Food Handler’s Permit.
• Must pass the Washington State Patrol background check and FBI check.
• Must have a current Washington State Driver’s License, clean driving record, and current liability insurance.
Hours Requirement, Stipend, & Benefits:
This is a full time AmeriCorps position with the Washington Service Corps. It is a 10 ½ month position with a 1700 hours requirement (average of 40 hours per week). Member will receive the following benefits:
• stipend of $1125 per month
• unlimited monthly bus pass
• AmeriCorps health insurance
• child care if needed
• food stamps through DSHS
• training opportunities
• loan forbearance on qualified student loans while in service
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $5550 upon completion of the service term
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Samantha Dyess at samanthad[at]solid-ground.org[dot] Position closes 9/14/12 and starts 10/1/12.