Food Access Coordinator

This position has been filled for the 2023-2024 Service Term. This position is returning for the 2024-2025 Service Term.

Position Start: August 29th, 2023.

Position End: July 16th, 2023.

Summary: 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 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.

As a part of the central team coordinating food security initiatives across multiple clinic sites, the Food Access Coordinator will 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 tool kits, 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.

• Developing and/or providing staff education or training.
• Engaging stakeholders to understand goals, needs, priorities, challenges, and opportunities
• Conducting research, mapping community assets, or reviewing data to strengthen the ability to meet community needs
• Developing communications messages/strategies
• Developing/implementing surveys, focus groups, interview guides, observations, or other data collection tools to identify opportunities for improvement in service delivery
• Implementing existing program model at clinics in a culturally appropriate manner that engages participants with dignity and respect.

• Familiar with health equity-related issues
• Able to build strong relationships
• Able to communicate effectively with individuals or diverse backgrounds and identities
• Flexible
• Self-Starter
• Member will ideally 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 ideally 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• Ability to lift groceries, up to 25lbs
• Ability to walk and stand for at least 30 minutes.
• COVID-19 Vaccination and Boosters required.
• Owning a personal vehicle is not required. Site is reachable via public transportation.
• Dress code is in alignment with food safety guidelines, strongly encouraging closed-toe shoes when on-site at Food Pharmacy Programs.

• Additional language proficiency skills not required.