Food Access Coordinator

About the Position:

The Food Access Coordinator will take a lead role in implementing weekly Food Pharmacies or similar programs at multiple San Francisco Health Network clinic sites around the city. They will engage directly with patients to support chronic disease prevention and management in under-served communities. The NHC Member will outreach to patients about Food Pharmacy and other food resources through referrals and phone calls. They will work with clinicians to optimize the process of “prescribing”/referring patients to Food Pharmacies. The member will participate in all aspects of Food Pharmacy, from planning and set-up to reporting and clean-up. Each Food Pharmacy consists of multiple components to maximize opportunities for patients to gain the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources they need to eat healthier diets and manage chronic conditions.

The NHC Member will learn health coaching skills and be trained in all aspects of program implementation, eventually leading their own trainings to orient new staff and volunteers. They will meet regularly with Clinic Liaisons (the main staff contact at each clinic) to assess potential areas of improvement and pilot projects to increase patient engagement and improve processes. As a part of the central staff team coordinating food security initiatives across multiple clinic sites, the Food Pharmacy Coordinator will also work closely with the Food as Medicine Program Manager on long-term strategy, sustainability, program evaluation, and new initiatives.

About the Organization:

San Francisco Health Network (SFHN) Food Pharmacies bridge healthcare systems and food systems to promote health equity by tackling food insecurity and promoting nutritional behavior change for communities most impacted by diet-sensitive chronic disease. At Food Pharmacies, which currently serve 12 clinics citywide and 6 SFHN Primary Care clinics, patients “fill” prescriptions for healthy food on-site, paired with nutrition education, zoom-based cooking demonstrations, starter spices and cooking toolkits, blood pressure and blood glucose checks by clinicians who counsel patients on chronic disease management, health coaching, and effective referrals to local food resources and programs. Our current evaluation data shows that 96% of patients report increased access to healthy food, 92% report that they have adopted healthier eating practices, and there has been a statistically significant decline in blood pressure among Food Pharmacy participants. Food Pharmacies are supported by the Food as Medicine Collaborative (FAMC), and more information about the FAM Collaborative can be found here.

• Familiar with health equity-related issues
• Self-starter
• Flexible
• Able to build strong relationships
• Able to communicate effectively with individuals or diverse backgrounds and identities
• Note from Host Site: We are looking for a candidate who will build strong relationships with our patients, clinic staff, community partners, and volunteers. They will be outgoing and eager to engage with anyone who wanders into Food Pharmacy, from a new patient to the clinic’s medical director. They will be compassionate, curious, respectful, and open to ongoing learning and growth. We are also looking for someone who can read group dynamics and step into a leadership role when needed and step back to allow others to take charge.
• Note from Host Site: Flexibility and creativity are important skills in navigating the flow of Food Pharmacies and unique clinic sites. The member will manage their time independently and work efficiently. Lastly, a love of cooking and food will go a long way in connecting with patients about how to use the groceries they receive and strategies for healthy eating.
• Note from Host Site: Other important characteristics essential to success and high performance in this position:

  • Familiarity with health equity-related issues; interest in addressing factors that contribute to a disproportionate burden of preventable disease, death, and disability in low income and minority communities.

  • Familiarity and comfort with using a computer, including using email in a professional setting, Microsoft office programs, and Google documents.

  • Experience working in low-income communities and/or with communities of color

  • Ability to communicate with diverse groups across age, race, and economic levels as well as with policy makers, executives and community members

  • Customer service experience, such as retail or restaurant; Project management

  • Volunteer recruitment and management

• Knowledge of AmeriCorps/Health Corps member requirements
• Skill with Microsoft Office or other software for a variety of data processing operations involving a range of problem solving, record keeping, correspondence, and service tracking options.

• Member uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments following set procedures, independently
• The supervisor assigns service activities in terms of project objectives and basic priorities and is available for consultation in resolving controversial issues.

• The service activities are reviewed for accuracy through spot checks, through complaints from customers, and through observation of the member at service.
• The member independently plans and carries out the projects and selects the approaches and methods to be used in solving problems

• Written and oral guides provide specific instructions for doing service
• Guidelines are generally applicable, but the member independently makes adaptations in dealing with problems and unusual situations

• The service position assignments vary significantly or often involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data

The NHC Member will:

• Mondays-Thursdays 8:30-5:00; Friday 8:30-5:00 on days without NHC required meetings/responsibilities
• Approximately serve 32-40 hours per week

Other special considerations include:

• Ability to lift groceries, up to 25 pounds

• Ability to walk and stand for at lest 30 minutes

• Additional health screening or service required

• COVID-19 Vaccination and applicable boosters

• No language other than English is required.
  • Proficiency and skill with Spanish would be extremely helpful for the member to communicate with a wide range of people.

• No other Criminal History Check Requirements beyond NHC Standard Checks.