Meals on Wheels Program Assistant (Part Time)

About the position

The Meals on Wheels Program Assistant is a part-time role focused on delivering nutritious meals to seniors, enhancing their health and social well-being. This position involves coordinating meal deliveries, supporting client engagement, and ensuring the smooth operation of the program at the Sandwich, IL Senior Center. The assistant collaborates with staff, volunteers, and community partners to effectively meet the needs of seniors and maintain program efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the intake, assessment, and periodic re-evaluation of seniors to ensure they meet program criteria.
• Maintain accurate client records, documenting any changes in meal needs, delivery schedules, dietary restrictions, or other MOW service requirements.
• Support the recruitment, training, and scheduling of volunteers for meal delivery routes.
• Provide volunteers with daily route assignments, meal packaging instructions, and client updates.
• Serve as an accessible point of contact for volunteer inquiries and support operations during meal deliveries.
• Oversee meal packaging and labeling, ensuring meals align with dietary guidelines and client requirements.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation and safe handling practices.
• Support kitchen staff with basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, chopping, and portioning ingredients.
• Assist with loading meals into transport containers and organizing distribution at the Senior Center for volunteer pickup.
• Maintain inventory of meal supplies, packing materials and other essential items used in meal preparation and delivery.
• Report low stock levels to Nutrition Program Manager and assist with ordering supplies as directed.
• Review all food vendor invoices to verify the accuracy of quantities, pricing, and any applicable discounts.
• Communicate with vendors to resolve any discrepancies in the invoice or received goods.
• Manage accurate records of meal deliveries, client information, and volunteer contributions in Voluntary Action Centers tracking system.
• Prepare reports on program performance, including meal delivery stats, client feedback, and volunteer engagement.
• Ensure all client and volunteer information is handled in compliance with privacy and data protection policies.
• Provide seniors and their families with information on additional Senior Center programs and resources.
• Represent the Senior Center at community outreach events, as directed.
• Collaborate with community partners to connect clients with additional resources or referrals.
• Provide immediate delivery support for urgent, unplanned, or last-minute meal requests.
• Respond promptly to phone calls, providing helpful information to clients, volunteers, and community members.
• Assist with financial tasks, including preparing and making bank deposits for program-related funds, donations, or payments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; coursework in social work, gerontology, or nutrition is a plus.
• Illinois Food Sanitation License preferred; must obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Bingosize Certification highly preferred; certification required within 30 days of hire.
• Experience working with senior services, food delivery, or in a health or community service environment highly preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with data entry and Microsoft Office required.
• Dependable, team-oriented, and adaptable.
• Compassionate and patient demeanor, with a commitment to supporting seniors' needs.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with the unique physical, nutritional, and social needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• Basic knowledge of food handling, preparation, and storage to maintain a safe kitchen environment.
• General knowledge of inventory tracking, order processing, and stock organization to manage supplies effectively.
• Understanding of data management and confidentiality policies, particularly for client information.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling to accommodate personal commitments.
• Opportunity to make a positive impact in the community by supporting seniors.