Overview
Administrative Assistant Jobs in Lawrence, MA at WAYSTONE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Overview
The Community Liaison is the welcoming face and voice of Dare to Care Food Bank, serving as the first point of contact for neighbors, visitors, volunteers, and community members at our warehouse. More than a receptionist, this role is a vital connector—ensuring interactions reflects our commitment to belonging, respect, innovation, and safety.
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Community Liaison creates a warm, inclusive environment where every person feels valued and supported. They provide guidance and referrals to individuals and families seeking food assistance, respond to inquiries with professionalism and empathy, and coordinate responses to community feedback, including questions, concerns, and compliments.
The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, resourceful, and service-oriented—someone who listens actively, solves problems with care and creativity, and helps ensure that all who walk through our doors leave feeling heard, respected, and safe. This role requires commitment Monday-Friday from 8-4:30, curiosity, adaptability, and a deep knowledge of Dare to Care’s programs and community connections.
What You’ll Do:
· Serve as the front-facing representative of Dare to Care, delivering trauma-informed customer service rooted in empathy, dignity, and respect.
· Greet every visitor with warmth and professionalism, creating an environment where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and valued.
· Respond compassionately and discreetly to individuals and families seeking food assistance, offering clear pathways to support while honoring privacy and autonomy.
· Foster a physically and emotionally safe reception area by maintaining an organized, calm, and mission-aligned space.
· Remain steady, supportive, and solutions-oriented during moments of high need, stress, or crisis.
· Maintain a strong working knowledge of Dare to Care’s programs, services, and community resources to offer accurate and helpful guidance.
· Collaborate with the Warehouse Team to maintain a ready-to-go inventory of emergency food items, ensuring distribution is handled with dignity, discretion, and respect.
· Assist neighbors with lifting and loading food boxes (approximately 50 lbs), supporting access while prioritizing physical safety.
· Operate the main phone line with professionalism, kindness, and clarity, ensuring inquiries are directed appropriately and timely.
· Manage and update the internal events calendar and other information tools to provide accurate referrals for callers and visitors.
· Welcome and support a variety of guests, including neighbors, agency partners, volunteers, and delivery personnel, with courtesy and inclusion.
· Complete essential administrative tasks such as call logging, visitor tracking, deliveries, and data entry with care and attention to detail.
· Respond flexibly to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating resourcefulness, adaptability, and good judgment.
· Receive and document community feedback—including concerns, compliments, and questions—with openness and emotional intelligence.
· Collaborate with internal teams to ensure timely, respectful, and coordinated responses to community input.
· Identify recurring challenges or barriers to service and recommend innovative, values-aligned solutions that enhance neighbor experience and organizational impact.
· Represent the voice of the community within Dare to Care, helping to build transparency, trust, and continuous improvement.
· Perform other duties as assigned in support of Dare to Care’s mission to lead our community in ending hunger.
What It Takes:
· High School Diploma or Equivalent
· Two years experience in a customer service, front desk, reception, or community-facing role
· Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences
· Ability to lift up to 50 lbs daily (food boxes and produce)
· Experience with common office tools such as Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook), phone systems, and databases
· Clear and compassionate communication—both in person and over the phone
· Ability to manage multiple priorities while staying organized and calm in a fast-paced environment
· Provide exceptional, trauma-informed customer service that prioritizes dignity and respect
· Positive, proactive, team-oriented approach to mission-driven work
· Ability to adapt to shifting needs or unexpected situations with flexibility and professionalism
Bonus Points
· Additional education or training in customer service
· Bilingual/Multilingual
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
This position operates in a typical office environment and requires constant use of a computer and other office equipment, such as phones, calculators, computer printers and copy machines. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 85% of the time. Must be able to lift approximately X lbs on a daily basis.
The person in this position frequently communicates with internal and external stakeholders (food bank leadership and staff, grantmaking organization staff, etc.). Must be able to gather and exchange accurate information in these situations.
The position involves occasional local travel and may require evening or weekend work based on community needs or events.
EEO
Dare to care is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 – $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
Are you able to lift up to 50 lbs daily?
Education:
High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Title: Administrative Assistant
Company: WAYSTONE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Location: Lawrence, MA
