Student Community and Social Services Worker (Food Bank)

This position is for 35 hrs/week for 8 week

Since 1975 The Mustard Seed Street Church (MSSC) has been fighting hunger while restoring Faith for families and individuals living in poverty as well as the working poor throughout the Capital Regional District. We offer a continuum of care through multiple services including our Food Bank Hospitality Centre and Food Rescue Programming. We also offer church services for those seeking a place to belong and grow spiritually. Through these core programs we assist thousands of people each month with the help of more than 50 daily volunteers and many generous financial supporters.

Through this role students will gain hands-on experience in front-line social services food security operations and event coordination. They will build strong communication teamwork and problem-solving skills while learning how to engage with vulnerable populations in a dignified and respectful way.

The Community and Social Services Worker will support The Mustard Seed Street Church Food Bank in delivering essential community services to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Under the supervision of the Food Security and Guest Services teams the youth will gain hands-on experience in community support digital tools used in social services sustainable food systems and community outreach initiatives that strengthen well-being across Greater Victoria.

Client Intake Support and Service Delivery

• Welcome clients assist with intake and gather basic information using the Food Banks client-management software.
• Guide clients through the Food Banks client-choice model and support them in selecting nutritious culturally appropriate food items.
• Use digital tools to provide information on internal programs and external community resources such as housing supports financial assistance mental health services and newcomer supports.
• Help support safe and respectful interactions ensuring clients feel heard and cared for.

Food Bank Operations Digital Tools and Program Support

• Assist with organizing and stocking rescued food and essential supplies contributing to reducing food waste and supporting environmental sustainability.
• Monitor inventory levels prepare restocking lists and maintain an orderly service environment using the Food Banks inventory and data-entry software.
• Participate in digital record-keeping to track client visits program usage and emerging service trends.
• Follow workplace safety and food-handling procedures with training provided.

Community Outreach Summer Programs and Digital Skills Development

• Support the Fair Start Back-to-School Program by registering families using the programs dedicated software platform preparing supplies and helping coordinate distribution days.
• Use email spreadsheets and other digital tools to support communication and program organization.
• Participate in community engagement activities such as neighbourhood food drives sustainable food recovery initiatives and wellness events.
• Learn about environmental benefits of food rescue including reducing landfill waste and lowering carbon emissions.

Administrative and Team Support

• Assist with gathering and organizing program statistics for evaluation and reporting using Excel and internal databases.
• Work collaboratively with staff volunteers and partner agencies to support efficient and inclusive service delivery.
• Attend weekly check-ins with supervisors and mentors to discuss progress challenges and skill development.
• Support ongoing improvement efforts by researching best practices in community food security digital tools in social service delivery youth programs and sustainable food systems.

The Mustard Seed Street Church is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

These positions are mostly funded through the Canada Summer Jobs Program.

To be eligible youth must:

• be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
• be a Canadian citizen permanent resident or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment*; and
• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

*International students are not eligible participants. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.