About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger. 

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow. 

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

• Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
• Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
• Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org. 

Position Summary:

The Maternal Health Advocate reports to the Client Support Services Manager and shall promote and support Food Is Medicine programs in accordance with OFS's mission and goals. This role is a key member of a diverse, multidisciplinary team dedicated to serving participants across various initiatives that address the intersection of food insecurity, maternal, perinatal, and infant health, and other interconnected systems.

The primary responsibility for this position is to assess and address the social determinants of health that contribute to food insecurity and adversity in partnership with the participant. The Maternal Health Advocate will coordinate care with other team members and community partners ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the process. 

Essential Functions:

Client Resource Navigation

• Partner with participants to facilitate goal attainment based on their identified priorities, which may include accessing community resources, interpersonal support, and crisis management.
• Collaboratively integrate care coordination with community and program partners, valuing the diverse perspectives and needs of each participant.
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of nutrition, public health, and social service professionals to implement a dynamic and responsive program model.
• Coordinate food delivery with the Nutrition Services Manager, ensuring accessibility and cultural sensitivity.
• Collaborate with Nutrition team members to ensure comprehensive service delivery that respects the unique backgrounds of all participants.

Program Administration

• Ensure the collection of outcome data through the completion of identified measures, recognizing the importance of diverse data points and perspectives.
• Complete orientation training and workshops in a timely manner, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• Actively participate in supervision and team meetings, contributing to a supportive and inclusive team culture.
• Attend external meetings and community networking events, representing the organization and its commitment to inclusivity and equity.
• Maintain documentation according to policies and procedures in a timely manner, ensuring that all records reflect the diverse needs and experiences of participants.

Culture of Philanthropy

• Engage in various community collaboratives to advance the work of Food is Medicine and Nutrition initiatives, ensuring diverse community representation.
• Increase awareness of Nutrition Programs through newsletters and other media outlets, making sure to reach and resonate with a broad and diverse audience.
• Support fundraising efforts for the organization by attending and/or volunteering at events, promoting an inclusive approach to community involvement

Education and/or Experience:

• Master's degree in social work, or Community Health Worker preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver services with an intentional and strengths-based approach, inclusive of all participants' identities and experiences.
• Strong engagement skills including experience with case conceptualization from a nonjudgmental orientation and culturally responsive orientation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to deliver services with an intentional and strengths-based approach, inclusive of all participants' identities and experiences.
• Strong engagement skills, including experience with case conceptualization from a nonjudgmental and culturally responsive orientation.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional travel required for meetings, events, and conferences
• Flexibility in working hours 
• Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties, including fundraising events, that don't fall under regular job duties

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors

Benefits - FT Positions

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HRA and FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability income
• Company-paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary employee-paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

To Apply: Please submit your application and include your resume at Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.