Warehouse Specialist - Food Market

Our History

In 1879, Father Bernard Donnelly established Mount St. Bernard’s Orphanage in Kansas City. With that one act of faith, hope and charity, many lives — and a community — were transformed.

And, from that humble beginning a strong tradition of compassionate care and social service took root, thrived, and grew to become Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Catholic Charities empowers at risk people to create a pathway out of poverty by alleviating their immediate crises to create stability; then providing robust support to lift them to dignity and self-reliance.

Today, millions of lives have been transformed, in the communities we serve. We have office locations in the Kansas City metro-area, St. Joseph, Missouri, a Food Pantry in Kansas City and another in Cameron, Missouri, while serving a 27-county region.

Our Culture/Mission Characteristics

While performing job duties, staff will:

• Follow the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings in all aspects while performing job duties.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and resolve conflict to achieve the greater good.
• Respect the diversity of talents and gifts of others and believe in cultivating those to promote personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate compassion and commitment for helping others improve their own lives.

Mission

Helping people move to a better life through hope-filled care, services, and advocacy; calling all those of goodwill to join us.

Vision

By lifting people in need to the dignity of self-reliance, and encouraging others to help, our communities will become one human family.

Values

Hope/Faith, Trust, Commitment, Collaboration

Objective:

 The Warehouse Specialist supports daily food pantry operations by receiving, organizing, storing, and distributing food and essential items in a safe, efficient, and client-centered manner. This role ensures compliance with food safety standards, maintains digital inventory accuracy, and supports volunteers and staff to create a dignified and welcoming experience for pantry shoppers. This full-time position is eligible for benefits and pays $21 per hour. This position is 100% on site. 

Responsibilities:

Warehouse & Inventory Operations

• Receive, inspect, and properly store food and non-food donations in accordance with food safety guidelines (FIFO, temperature control, expiration dating).
• Sort, label, and rotate inventory to ensure quality and reduce waste.
• Maintain organized storage areas, coolers, freezers, and dry storage.
• Track inventory levels digitally and assist with data entry and reporting requirements.
• Prepare food and product orders for pantry distribution and partner agencies.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
• Monitor temperatures of refrigerators and freezers and document as required.
• Identify and remove nonconsumable, damaged, or unsafe products.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of warehouse, equipment, and work areas.
• Obtain Serve Safe Food Handler’s Permit.

Pantry & Client Support

• Assist with pantry setup, restocking shelves, and breakdown after service hours.
• Support client choice shopping model with professionalism and respect.
• Provide clear directions and assistance to shoppers as needed.
• Maintain a welcoming, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental environment.

Volunteer Support

• Assist in supervising and training volunteers on warehouse tasks, food safety, and proper handling procedures.
• Model positive communication and teamwork.
• Ensure volunteers are working safely and effectively.

General Duties

• Operate pallet jacks, carts, bailer and other warehouse equipment safely.
• Assist with loading/unloading deliveries and food drives.
• Communicate inventory needs, safety concerns, or operational issues to supervisor.
• Maintain auto fleet checklist for maintenance, appearance and sanitation.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support pantry operations.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives, including but not limited to Second Collection. 
• Occasional evening or weekend shifts may be required.
• Occasional local travel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent experience).
• Basic computer skills (inventory systems, email, data entry).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse populations.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Safe driving record.

Preferred

• Previous warehouse, food pantry, or food service experience.
• Food safety certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Bilingual skills a plus.

Core Competencies

• Food safety and sanitation
• Organization and time management
• Clear and respectful communication
• Teamwork and adaptability
• Client dignity and service orientation

Physical Requirements:

• Physically active role requiring prolonged periods of standing, bending, lifting, and walking. 
• Sitting at a computer for various amounts of time. 
• Must be able to lift up to 40-50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in hot and cold climates, working in a cooler and freezer and in an environment with many noises.

I understand that as an employee of Catholic Charities I am expected to perform job duties in alignment with the following:

• Follows the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings in all aspects while performing job duties.
• Works collaboratively to achieve goals and resolves conflict to achieve the greater good.
• Respect for the diversity of talents and gifts of others and belief in cultivating those to promote personal and professional development.
• Demonstrates compassion and commitment for helping others improve their lives