Intake Coordinator (Internal Applicants Only)

Title

Intake Coordinator

( Full Time Position)

Status

Non-Exempt

Supervisor

Director of the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry

JFCS Pittsburgh

Since 1937, JFCS Pittsburgh has been pushing what’s possible in human services—combining compassion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to dignity and justice. We partner with people across the region to navigate life’s changes and challenges, designing bold, responsive programs that meet real needs in real time.

At JFCS, your work matters. You’ll join a team of passionate problem‑solvers and strategic thinkers who care deeply about people and aren’t afraid to rethink the way support is delivered. Here, creativity is encouraged, compassion drives every decision, and your impact is felt immediately in the community.

If you’re looking for more than a job—if you want your work to spark purpose, connection, and meaningful change—JFCS is where you can make it happen .

Position Summary

The Intake Coordinator serves as a new client’s first connection to JFCS food pantry services . Through an initial interview, this position will enroll individuals and famil ies for food pantry assistance and evaluat e whether the family may require additional assistance beyond the food provided through JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry.

T he Intake Coordinator will serve as a liaison to JFCS staff b y receivi ng refer rals for clients in other departments w ho need p antry ser vices . They will also provi d e r eferra ls to the Success Coa ch Team for p antry clients wh o may be nefit fr om additi onal assis tance beyond navigation . In cases when a pantry c lient may ne ed outside support but is no t a good c andidate fo r Succe ss Coach ing, the I ntake Coord inator will help them navigate to the appropriate external referral source for support.

The Intake Coordinator will assist in increasing awareness of JFCS services by assisting with community outreach events and participating in group volunteer events at the food pantry . The Intake Coordinator functions as a member of the pantry team and may be called on to assist with operational matters at times. Adaptability to a variety of cultures and the willingness to address a wide array of life challenges is essential for working with an already existing high-skilled, interdisciplinary team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with new clients seeking help from the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
• Input all client information to the Link2Feed database, ensuring it is accurate , up-to-date, and providing appropriate data for pantry operations.
• Collect information about additional assistance th at clients (new or existing) may need beyond food.
• Provide clients support through navigation to external resource s
• Refer the client to the JFCS Success Coaching team for additional services or more rigor ous case management assistance , when appropriate
• Work with JFCS’ Success Coaching team to ensure that valid, updated referral lists are available for clients facing common needs that JFCS may not be able to help with directly
• Work with JFCS volunteer team to identify and train volunteers to assist with client intakes
• Develop protocols to train volunteers in pantry intake procedures, with attention to:
• Privacy considerations
• Conversational techniques
• Reasons we collect the information we ask for
• Use of telephone /app-based translation services
• Use of Link2Feed Database
• How to make referrals to the Success Coaching team for additional services and assistance
• And other details that contribute to successful, trust-building interactions with incoming clients
• Use approved telephone/app-based translation services to conduct conversations with clients who have limited English Language proficiency
• Monitor and identify trends in pantry clientele, including but not limited to: languages spoken, special dietary needs, and trends of the types of additional assistance that pantry clients seek .
• In tegrate with the multi -d i sc ipl inary Pantry te am to a ssist with overall client and pantry ne eds, such as b y:
• R eceiving , evaluating , and documenting requests for pantry delivery services
• Participating in community outreach efforts and/or group volunteer efforts on up to one evening and one Sunday per month.
• Assist ing with pantry operations as needed , in the form of front desk coverage, volunteer training, client shopping, food storage, and/or client shopping
• Assist in development of program outcomes and other measures
• Participate in JFCS professional development opportunities and organizational activities
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor