Security Officer & Host 

How did you get your current job?
I was asked to do it by the director of Feed The Flathead after meeting her, then talking at length with her when I took a neighbour to a meal site.

What was the application process?
She was in desperate need of help with security, as the sole security officer had been fired, and I was available at the time, so I was hired on the spot, less than an hour after meeting the director.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
I did an on the spot interview standing in the kitchen, I ran down the list of my past work experience, and related skills, and told the director about myself, where I grew up, my I moved to this area, my schooling, my goals for the future. I also talked about my being a Christian, and wanting to serve the Lord. She hired me right then and there.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
I was asked about past security experience, past food service experience, what church I go to, have I ever worked with the homeless before, have I ever worked with people who have mental illness, physical disabilities, alcoholism, and or drug addictions, and I was asked if I was a Christian.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes I feel she was very good at making sure I was prepared for this job. She went above and beyond to explain every aspect to me, as well as to prepare me for what I would likely go through on any given day at work.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
I took both CPR and First Aid classes, and for the job sites, I had to learn where all food supplies, as well as cleaning supplies are located, as well as how we prepare and serve, as well as the cleaning sheet order, and where to stock and store shipments.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
Well I think having previous training and experience working with the mentally ill, physically disabled, and those afflicted by alcohol or drug addictions has come in very handy. I also think being a compassionate, caring, attentive, and friendly person has helped me a great deal to fit in well to this job.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
N/A

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
A background in both security and food service is a must. Also, I would say they should canvas the local charity organizations in their area, as many have paid positions (like mine) and most have very flexible hours, good pay, and decent job environments. The other must is a willingness to work with large groups of people, especially the poor and homeless, and willingness to be around people down on their luck and or afflicted with mental illness, physical disabilities, alcoholism, and or drug addiction. A love for the Lord Jesus Christ is also a must, as our organization (like most charities in this area) are Christian based.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
The most important skill in this field is compassion. A love for your fellow man, and a desire to help those who cannot help themselves is a must. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary, as are a desire to serve. Also important are skills in recognizing, and handling people under the influence of alcohol and or drugs are important, as are cleaning skills, food prep and serving experience, and knowledge of the Bible and Christianity. Another very important skill in this field is patience. Without it, this job would be impossible.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
No, not at all, we regularly have teen and pre-teen age volunteers working for us.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
I would say keep a smile on your face, be patient, just relax, and realize that these people that we are caring for would be lost if not for us, as many rely solely on our meals to eat all month long, and rely on our meal sites as their sole source of socialization. They depend on us, so try to treat them with respect, compassion, and love, even if it may seem some of them do not deserve it.