Position Overview

The Health Advocate reports to the Director of Social Work Services and shall promote and support the Fresh Rx programs in accordance with OFS's mission and goals. The Health Advocate will work as a part of a multidisciplinary team to directly serve participants in a variety of initiatives that address the intersection of food insecurity and other systems.

Organization Overview

Operation Food Search (OFS), a hunger relief organization based in St. Louis, MO, strengthens the safety net by empowering children, teens, and adults with a range of innovative programs and services proven to reduce food insecurity and increase access to healthy and affordable food. We provide food and services to 200,000 people every month.

Mission: We heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Goals: 1) Meet the immediate need for food for children and families; 2) Empower long-term skills by teaching culinary skills and nutrition education; 3) Champion change through advocacy and innovation.

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

Primary Position Responsibilities

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 Health Advocate will coordinate care with other team members and community partners.

• Facilitate goal attainment according to the participant's identified priorities, which may include access to community resources, interpersonal support, and crisis management.
• Integrate care coordination with community and program partners.
• Maintain documentation according to policies and procedures in a timely fashion.
• Participate in multidisciplinary staffing
• Ensure the gathering of outcome data through the completion of identified measures.
• Attend meetings appropriate to the participation in specific initiatives.
• Support OFS by participating in fundraising events as possible.
• Actively participate in supervision and team meetings.
• Attend community networking meetings and events as relevant.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program
• Provisionally licensed or willing to pursue licensure.
• Demonstrated ability for an intentional and strengths-based approach to service delivery.
• Strong engagement skills including experience with case conceptualization from a nonjudgmental orientation.
• Basic understanding of Trauma-Informed Care and its implementation.
• Knowledge of racial equity and inclusive practices; willingness to integrate these lenses into service delivery and team development.
• Ability to uphold the mission, goals, and values of the organization.
• Possess an assertive learning style; willing to pursue professional development opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal relationships skills
• Proficient computer skills with MS Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Helpful Experience:

• Working with families experiencing food insecurity.
• Knowledge of community resources

Special Requirements:

• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after hours or weekend activities.
• Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned.

Benefits:

Operation Food Search offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, 401(k), long-term disability, life insurance and options for ancillary benefits including vision, accident, and short-term disability. We also value your well-being and provide benefits through our employee assistance program (EAP), competitive time away benefits including paid vacation, paid personal time, paid wellness time and 9 paid holidays.