FOUNDATION COMMUNITIES JOB DESCRIPTION
Department: Health Initiatives – Healthy Food Pantry Program Reports To: Food Access & Security Manager Primary Work Location: Mission Plaza Distribution Center, Austin, TX Work Setting: On-site, field-based, with limited remote work opportunities
Position Summary:
The Health Program Specialist (HPS), Logistics and DC Specalist is an integral member of Foundation Communities' Health Initiatives team, supporting the daily operations of the Healthy Food Pantry Program. This position helps increase access to nutritious food for residents and community members by coordinating food transportation, preparation, and distribution at Foundation Communities properties throughout the Austin area.
Under the direction of the Food Access & Security Manager, the Health Program Specialist is responsible for supporting all aspects of food pantry distributions, including transporting food, setting up distribution sites, assisting clients, managing client intake, coordinating volunteers, and maintaining safe and organized pantry environments.
In addition to shared distribution responsibilities, Health Program Specialists may be assigned specialized duties in areas such as data management and reporting, food procurement and inventory, distribution operations, or Distribution Center logistics. All specialists are expected to collaborate, cross-train, and provide operational support across program functions to ensure consistent and efficient service delivery.
Essential Job Functions:
•Safely operate Foundation Communities' cargo van to transport food and supplies between pantry locations.
•Load, unload, organize, and prepare food for scheduled distributions.
•Assist with receiving food deliveries and maintaining Distribution Center organization, cleanliness, and inventory.
•Set up, facilitate, and clean up scheduled food pantry distributions.
•Complete accurate client intake and data entry using Oasis Insights.
•Provide excellent customer service and maintain a welcoming, respectful environment for clients.
•Assist with volunteer training, coordination, and supervision during distributions.
•Follow food safety, sanitation, and organizational policies and procedures.
•Support community outreach, program communications, and quality improvement efforts.
•Maintain open communication with supervisors and team members regarding program operations.
•Complete required trainings and maintain applicable certifications.
•Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Job Duties:
•Maintain overall cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of the Distribution Center (DC).
•Identify, submit, and monitor DC maintenance requests.
•Monitor and coordinate maintenance of DC equipment and machinery.
•Ensure compliance with DC safety protocols and procedures.
•Coordinate shared space, storage, and operational needs with the SRO and Lamar Square teams.
•Oversee fleet maintenance, inspections, repairs, and vehicle scheduling to ensure operational readiness.
Minimum Qualifications:
•Valid Texas driver's license held for at least one year.
•Driving record that meets Foundation Communities' insurance requirements, including no DUIs, critical at-fault accidents, or moving violations within the past five years.
•Ability to be insured by Foundation Communities' vehicle insurance provider and successfully complete required driver training.
•Ability to safely operate a cargo van (training provided).
•Ability to independently travel between pantry locations during assigned shifts.
•Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
•Ability to assist with loading and unloading large quantities of food and supplies.
•Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
•Ability to work independently and collaboratively with residents, staff, and volunteers.
•Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications and data entry.
•Ability to maintain accurate records and protect confidential client information.
•Willingness to obtain and maintain Food Handler's Certification and complete required Civil Rights training upon hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
•Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
•Certified Community Health Worker (CHW).
•Previous experience in food distribution, community health, nonprofit programs, or social services.
•Experience with food procurement, inventory management, or warehouse operations.
•Familiarity with client management databases, data collection, and reporting.
•Experience coordinating volunteers or working with diverse and underserved communities.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
•Regular lifting and carrying of food and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
•Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, and driving.
•Loading and unloading substantial quantities of food using appropriate equipment and team support.
•Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rain.
•Traveling between Foundation Communities properties throughout the Austin area.
•Performing administrative and computer-based tasks as assigned.
•Position is primarily on-site, with staff expected to work from the Mission Plaza Distribution Center when not assigned to pantry distributions or other off-site duties.
•Up to 16 hours of remote work per week may be permitted with manager approval, contingent upon program needs, and the availability of remote-eligible tasks. Remote work is not guaranteed, and schedules may vary weekly.
Other: Compensation: Hourly rate: $23.50.
Foundation Communities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation & gender idenity.
Skills Required
- Valid Texas driver's license held for at least one year
- Driving record meeting Foundation Communities' insurance requirements, including no DUIs, critical at-fault accidents, or moving violations within the past five years
- Eligibility for coverage by Foundation Communities' vehicle insurance provider
- Successful completion of required driver training
- Ability to safely operate a cargo van
- Ability to independently travel between pantry locations during assigned shifts
- Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to assist with loading and unloading large quantities of food and supplies
- Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and customer service skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with residents, staff, and volunteers
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications and data entry
- Ability to maintain accurate records and protect confidential client information
- Willingness to obtain and maintain Food Handler's Certification
- Completion of required Civil Rights training upon hire
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish
- Certified Community Health Worker
- Previous experience in food distribution, community health, nonprofit programs, or social services
- Experience with food procurement, inventory management, or warehouse operations
- Familiarity with client management databases, data collection, and reporting
- Experience coordinating volunteers or working with diverse and underserved communities
What We Do
Foundation Communities is a local, homegrown nonprofit. We provide affordable, attractive homes and free on-site support services for thousands of families with kids, as well as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. We offer an innovative, proven model that empowers our residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. We own and operate 28 communities all over Austin and in North Texas.







