Employment & Service
opportunities

Community Outreach Ministries is a faith-based non-profit organization focused on alleviating poverty in Polk County, Missouri.   We have a friendly, encouraging atmosphere and work together to accomplish our mission. Whether it's work in the food pantry, admin offices, or thrift store and warehouse, every employee and volunteer is an important member of the COM family and has a role to play in bringing hope to our community.

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If you are interested in one of our open positions, download the COM employment application and submit the application and a copy of your resume to the supervisor listed on the position. Check out our available employment & service opportunities here:

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Food Systems Advocate (posted 11/6/2023)

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Position Overview:

The Food Systems Advocate will help Community Outreach Ministries (COM) achieve its mission of promoting food security in Polk County through partnering with existing businesses and organizations of local food systems and promoting programs and measures that further build a more resilient food system. In particular, the Food Systems Advocate will work with local farmers, gardeners, and retailers to increase donations of fresh food to the pantry, reduce community food waste, and promote gardening and nutritional education within the community. The successful candidate will be called of God, be committed to serve as a member of a faith-driven team, and have a strong interest in the overall service and ministry of COM.  

 

Hours: Part-time, 20 hours/week

 

Duties:

• Work with the Executive Director and Development Director on identifying grant opportunities and submitting applications to appropriate grants for the organization to build more resilient food systems.

• Establish and grow relationships with local farmers, gardeners, food retailers, and restaurants to secure additional food donations for COM and its food programs.

• Coordinate with COM’s Food Pantry Manager to identify pantry food needs and work with pantry shoppers to understand dietary needs that are being unmet.

• Identify potential areas of food waste that can be captured to reduce food insecurity in the community or to build stronger gardening systems.

• Oversee, grow, and support COM’s Garden Club through recruiting new members and training potential Club leaders from among members.

• Oversee and manage the COM downtown community garden and promote it within the community.

• Identify potential community partnerships to conduct gardening and nutrition education among community members, including children/youth and seniors.

• Identify potential “food deserts” within Polk County and work with other COM staff to create solutions rooted in Asset Based Community Development principles, possibly including community gardens, produce coops, pantry coops, social enterprises, among others.

• Uphold biblical standards in all facets of job performance.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred, preferably in a related field

• 3 or more years of experience in gardening, farming, or agriculture

• Professional written and interpersonal communication skills

• Experience coordinating volunteers or leading a diverse group of people

• Genuine enthusiasm for the success of Community Outreach Ministries and an ability to communicate that enthusiasm to the community.

• Ability to practice good self-care

• Be reliable, pay attention to detail, dependable, and very organized

• Be a resourceful self-starter with an ability to follow through on a wide range of projects. Able to prioritize and manage several deadlines and projects efficiently.

• Able to work independently, yet be willing to be a team player,

• Shall not be the perpetrator in a substantiated report of neglect or abuse.

• Be active in a local church, and possess good spiritual and emotional health.

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Interested individuals may submit a resume and application to Micah Titterington, Executive Director at MicahT@bolivarcom.org or dropped off at 320 S. Market Ave, Bolivar, MO 65613.

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Thrift Store Associate (posted 11/6/2023)

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Position Overview:

The Thrift Store Associate performs certain tasks in the thrift store, including but not limited to working the cash register, assisting customers, overseeing thrift store volunteers, restocking thrift store items, sorting donations, cleaning, and quality control. They will also perform other duties as directed by the thrift store manager.

 

Hours: Part-time, 20 hours/week, Tue-Sat

 

Duties:

• The Associate is responsible for, but not limited to, the following range of job duties:

• Stocking, arranging, and tidying merchandise on the sales floor

• Assist with customers, whether it is working at the register or locating items, maintaining a friendly attitude in all interactions

• Physical marketing and displays within the store

• Processing sales

• Assist in the intake, sorting, and pricing of donations

• Maintaining a clean and organized store

• Assist with donation pickups and deliveries, including driving COM's box truck

• Other duties as assigned

• Note: Not all incumbents perform all the duties described above but perform a similar range of duties.

 

Physical Dexterity/Effort Required::

The performance of the job regularly requires standing for long periods of time, twisting, bending, crouching, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling, lifting and kneeling.

The Associate may be required to assist moving large and/or heavy objects, such as furniture.

Please notify the Store Manager of any possible restrictions prior to acceptance of the job.

 

Required Qualifications:

• MUST BE PUNCTUAL AND RELIABLE

• Basic mathematical skills to include adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and calculating percentages

• Money handling skills, including making change and counting correct denominations

• Commitment to excellent customer service

• Possess communication skills (both verbal and written), interpersonal and team-oriented skills

• Ability to follow direction, and understand what is being asked of them

• Willing to learn

• Promote the values of Community Outreach Ministries with Christ-like attitude and actions

• Ability to physically lift 20 or more pounds on a regular basis

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a retail position, preferably in a second-hand or thrift environment

• Experience working with volunteers

• Valid Missouri driver’s license and age 25 or older

• Prior marketing experience

• Open to flexible scheduling

• Be active in a local church and possess good spiritual and emotional health

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Interested individuals may submit an application to Cinda Smith, Thrift Store Manager at CindaS@bolivarcom.org or dropped off at 320 S. Market Ave, Bolivar, MO 65613.

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Recycling Temp Worker (ongoing)

Position Overview:

This is a temporary, contract position. Individuals needing short-term financial assistance can work with COM to load and run our vertical baler for recycling cardboard and textiles. Tasks include emptying bins, totes, and trailers of recyclable materials and operating a vertical baler to compact materials. Contract workers can bale up to a maximum of 10 bales per year.

 

Wage: $60/completed bale (commission)

 

Hours: As needed

 

Reports to: Warehouse Coordinator

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Required Qualifications:

• Be in good physical condition and be able to lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds

• Able to perform repeated physical motions, including bending, twisting, and lifting

• Be reliable, pay attention to detail, enjoy a fast-paced work environment, dependable.

• Genuine enthusiasm for the success of Community Outreach Ministries and an ability to communicate that enthusiasm to the community.

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Contact COM at 417-326-2769 or at info@bolivarcom.org if interested.

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Feel free to also check out volunteer opportunities HERE. We are always looking for volunteers in the following areas:

Thrift Store

Food Pantry

Recycling

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Those interested in volunteering may apply online.

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