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Food Rescue Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Caseworker

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$21 - $22.80/hr

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping ... food, medical care, and access to transportation, and is oriented to their new environment.

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Food Rescue information

What is food rescue?

Food rescue is the process of recovering surplus edible food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to people in need. Organizations and volunteers collect excess food from sources such as grocery stores, restaurants, and farms, ensuring that it is still safe for consumption. This helps reduce food waste, supports those facing food insecurity, and benefits the environment by minimizing landfill use. Food rescue programs play a vital role in promoting sustainability and social good within communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food rescue coordinator?

To thrive as a Food Rescue Coordinator, you need strong organizational skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and experience in logistics or supply chain management, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with inventory management software, scheduling tools, and food handling certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities help coordinate with donors, volunteers, and recipient organizations. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and effective food redistribution to reduce waste and support communities in need.

What are the typical challenges faced in a food rescue role, and how can I best prepare for them?

In a Food Rescue position, you'll often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex logistics, ensuring food safety during transportation, and communicating effectively with donors and recipient organizations. Being adaptable and organized is key, as food pickups and deliveries may need to be scheduled on short notice. Developing strong relationships with partners and staying up-to-date on food safety practices will help you succeed. Additionally, you'll frequently work as part of a team, so collaboration and clear communication are essential for overcoming daily obstacles.

What is the difference between Food Rescue vs Food Distribution Coordinator?

AspectFood RescueFood Distribution Coordinator
Required CredentialsVolunteer or basic food handling certificationsFood safety certifications, logistics experience
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, community-based settingsFood banks, distribution centers
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, food rescue organizationsFood banks, charitable organizations

Food Rescue focuses on collecting surplus food to prevent waste, often involving volunteers and nonprofit settings. Food Distribution Coordinators manage the logistics of distributing food to those in need, requiring more formal certifications and organizational skills. Both roles are vital in the food assistance industry but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Food Rescue jobs in Iowa?

For Food Rescue jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Rescue jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Rescue jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Food Rescue job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Caseworker

Theirc

Des Moines, IA • Hybrid

$21 - $22.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview: The Caseworker provides trauma-informed services to refugees and other qualified immigrants to support a positive resettlement experience and the achievement of client self-sufficiency. The Caseworker works closely with clients, colleagues, and external parties to develop service and/or self-sufficiency plans to meet individual client needs and preferences utilizing a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements.
This position has an end date of 30 September 2027.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Coordinate timely pre- and post-arrival services to ensure each client has living essentials such as housing, food, medical care, and access to transportation, and is oriented to their new environment.

  • Conduct intake services with clients to assess needs. Develop self-sufficiency plans and timelines in partnership with each client. Provide individualized support through direct services, referrals, and advocacy.

  • Assess and monitor client progress to support their attainment of established goals, address challenges, and to ensure that available resources are utilized.

  • Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.

  • Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations. Build and maintain relationships with area service providers for the benefit of clients.

  • Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.

  • May train and lead the activities of volunteers and interns.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

  • Relevant professional experience in human services field required; minimum of 2 years' experience strongly preferred.

  • Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.

  • Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

  • Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

  • Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.

  • Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC's clients is desired; including Dari, Farsi, and/or Pashto.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.

  • Valid driver's license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Working Environment:

  • A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and 'field' time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

  • May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Compensation: ($21.00 - $22.80 hourly). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.


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Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10paid sick leave, 10U.S. holidays, 20-25generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care,and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.


Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.