Volunteers in this role will work direct with vulnerable community members at the OzHarvest Waterloo Market. The market exists to feed the community using rescued food that would’ve otherwise gone to landfill. Volunteers are at the heart of Waterloo Market, connecting with customers, assisting with daily operations and ensuring good food goes to those in need. Our Market philosophy is "take what you need, give if you can". This is a non-judgmental space where everyone is welcome, and we serve with dignity and love.

Volunteer responsibilities in this role include:

Customer care and Language translation

• Communicating messages in the customers preferred language and occasionally translating signs, but most importantly, building rapport
• Assist the Market managers in communicating key messages through verbal and written translation
• Provide excellent service and care to all OzHarvest Customers
• Serving food to customers either in a hamper or shopping model
• Providing friendly service and chatting to customers about all things OzHarvest in their preferred language
• Display empathy and understanding of the complex and varied needs of individual customers.
• Using excellent communication and people skills to make customers feel welcome
• Identify if customers need additional support and refer to the manager as necessary.

Operational Support

• Setting up, restocking food displays and pack down of the Market
• Receiving and sorting food deliveries
• Working as a team and following instructions from the team leader
• Portioning bulk food to individual size
• Maintaining COVID-19 safety and following COVID policy
• Cleaning and maintaining hygiene practices for a food safe space

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Excellent customer service skills and passionate about all things OzHarvest
• Written and Verbal proficiency in Mandarin, Cantonese and/or Russian
• Strong communication skills
• Team orientated approach
• Experience working with vulnerable people desirable
• Completion of a Food Safety Certificate (details will be provided at induction)
• Mental Health First Aid Course/ Accidental Counsellor course desirable
• Volunteers will be on their feet for most of the shift, and should be comfortable with some manual handling including lifting boxes of produce and crates of food which can weigh up to 10kg
• All OzHarvest volunteers must obtain a current and valid Police Check, complete a Manual Handling Certificate and attend an OzHarvest Volunteer Induction. All OzHarvest staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as per our COVID Vaccination Policy. Further details will be provided to prospective volunteers upon application and at the Volunteer Induction.

Personal Abilities and Aptitudes

• A strong commitment and enthusiasm towards the vision of OzHarvest
• High levels of empathy and ability to work with vulnerable people
• Flexible and highly responsive to changing priorities and circumstances
• Dependability and accountability
• Positive and proactive attitude