Food Rescue Driver

**About the Role**:
Communities at Work's food rescue program 'rescues' surplus food from registered food business across the Canberra Region. This food is then utilized within Community Services Program to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

You will be a front-line Communities at Work representative. You are central in the effective operation of Communities at Work's Community Services and engaging with our donors to provide a meaningful service. You will manage the pickup runs, collection of food and other donations to excel in this role, you need to enjoy providing exceptional customer service for both external and internal customers and be able to provide accurate and timely support to the food pantries. You will have good physical fitness with a requirement to undertake an independent physical assessment paid for by Communities at Work, the assessment will assess your ability to lift and carry safely, as well as your cardio fitness. You will need to declare any previous injuries and any management of current injuries.

Operating hours are Monday to Friday between the hours of 07.30 to 17:00. Shifts can vary and be up to 8 hours per day.

**Duties**:

- Drive the food rescue van based on the weekly roster for food donation pickups and drops off. Shifts usually occur between Monday and Friday but occasional shifts outside of standard hours may be required.
- The food rescue driver will co-ordinate the flow of daily runs picking up food and other donations and communicate with the coordinators of the pantries on needs and capacity to store pickups.
- Pick up donations for the food rescue program in a professional manner. Food will be collected and transferred to our crates and transported in a van to the pantries.
- Ensure food pickups are recorded. Conduct an inspection of pickups to ensure food, storage and transport processes meets food safety and program requirements. In addition, pickup household items and clothing occasionally at our donor sites.
- Maintain regular contact with team members and respond to mobile phone calls when practical.
- Supervise volunteers, and donors in the van as required.
- Trouble shoot any problems with pickups and deliveries.
- Assist with special events as required, for example food drive pickups from donors.
- Clean and maintain the interior and exterior of the vehicle and ensure that it meets food safety requirements. Monitor and clean food crates on a regular base.
- Ensure the van is stocked with the necessary supplies. Advise the manager if there are any supplies that are required.
- Undertake a monthly check of the first aid kit.
- Inform the Manager of Community Centres and Donations of any road problems [accidents, breakdowns] which may cause delays in the delivery of food immediately, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
- Monitor van's maintenance requirements.
- Other duties as instructed by the manager.

**Skills and Experience**

**Essential**
- Maintain current 'Working with Vulnerable People' registration.
- Current full driver's licence.
- Knowledge of the ACT Food Safety regulations.
- Ability to drive a large vehicle including utilising side mirrors and camera only for reversing. [van does not have rear window visibility]
- Excellent customer service and communication skills including tact and courtesy in dealing. with internal and external stakeholders.
- Good problem-solving and time management skills.to follow detailed instructions and procedures.
- To work independently with mínimal supervision.
- Flexible and resourceful to deal with emergencies or unforeseen circumstances [i.e., dangerous weather] spontaneous donations and the ability to implement alternate plans immediately.
- Sound knowledge of the Canberra region and ACT road system.

**Desirable**
- Experience in a transport or registered food business environment.
- Experience working with community organisations.
- Experience working with volunteers.
- First Aid certificate

**Benefits**
- Make a difference and change lives in the Canberra community as part of Canberra's largest community organisation
- Join an inclusive and friendly workplace, where people are at the heart of everything.
- Increase your take-home pay Because Communities at Work has charity status, you may be able to salary package and increase your take home pay by thousands of dollars per year.
- Flexibility when you need it with options for study leave, leave concessions, paid parental leave, and more.
- Enjoy healthy living with our active lifestyle & healthy activity programs and reimbursements (including remedial massages, annual flu vaccination and more).
- Receive guidance and support for mental health through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Employee child care discounts

**How to Apply**

Click **APPLY** or contact the People, Culture and Wellness team on 02 6293 6545 for a confidential discussion.