Food Security Coordinator

Summary

The Food Security Coordinator leads JFCS’ response to hunger, facilitating access to food resources for individuals and families while advocating for food justice policies and funding. They lead, plan, and facilitating outreach efforts, provide education and support to staff, and collaborate with community partners and advocacy networks. This role coordinates the Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) program, facilitating daily operations and ensuring individualized, person-centered client support. The Food Security Coordinator will also assist clients and callers with SNAP applications, as needed. In addition, they are responsible for the coordination of culturally sensitive emergency food boxes made available to callers and staff for their clients, as well as coordinating some volunteer-related tasks.

The ideal person for this role is friendly, compassionate, and draws energy from interacting with others; is a good problem solver and listens actively to clients; has strong organizational and communication skills; is self-motivated to engage in a variety of tasks; and is passionate about combating barriers to food security. The work schedule averages 30 hours/week, which includes some standing commitments throughout the week, and may include evenings and weekends.

Agency Information:

JFCS is a multi-faceted human services agency with the mission to provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need. JFCS is a place where you can put your values to work every day. You will be able to:

• Make a positive difference in the lives of others
• Feel energized to give your best effort and enjoy a healthy work/life balance
• Learn, grow, and accomplish new things

JFCS serves and employs people of all cultures and faith traditions and highly values inclusion and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary and Benefits:

• Compensation: $26.40/hour
• 30 hours per week
• Work-life balance including accrual of vacation, paid wellness leave (sick time), paid parental leave, holidays, flexible schedule, and a hybrid working schedule with the ability to work from home up to 60% of the time
• Social work licensing supervision

Essential Functions/Approximate Time

Program Oversight (70%)

• Identify and implement strategies to expand and improve program offerings with a focus on person-centered care.
• Respond in a timely manner to internal referrals and community requests for food. resources, connecting individuals to other JFCS and community resources as needed.
• Manage processes, compliance, client enrollment, and coordination of KMOW program.
• Conduct initial and annual in person home visits for a specific subset of clients.
• Provide assistance with the SNAP application processes.
• Communicate policy and resources updates to staff, collaborate with the JFCS intake team.
• Coordination with Transportation Supervisor and drivers regarding KMOW routes and route adjustments as needed.
• Work with internal and external partners regarding program coordination including maintaining accurate and timely records and correspondence, data collection, tracking outcomes and reporting, procuring supplies, resolving billing issues, attending Trellis and Metro Meals on Wheels provider meetings, and participating in training and networking.

Outreach and Advocacy (20%):

• Create and implement an annual outreach plan to strengthen and form new community partnership relationships to support food access and reach people likely to be food insecure.
• Participate in statewide advocacy efforts (e.g., JFCS Advocacy Committee, Partners to End Hunger, Trellis, Senior Meals & Services Coalition).
• Keep JFCS leadership informed of advocacy issues related to food security.
• Stay up to date on the latest resources, policies, specific rules, regulations, and barriers when applying for SNAP benefits in Minnesota, as well as county procedures for processing applications.

Logistics and Volunteer Engagement (5%):

• Oversee emergency food box program including coordinating with staff and volunteers sourcing appropriate contents based on client needs and cultural preferences.
• Procure, pack and stock emergency food boxes ensuring accessibility for staff. Participate in the coordination of emergency food deliveries to clients.
• Conduct occasional food drives and other food-related volunteer projects, including PRISM annual summer produce drops.
• Coordinate winter Blizzard Boxes for our regular PRISM-delivery clients.

Additional duties (5%):

• Additional duties consistent with program needs and professional development goals.

Experience and Education:

• Background in Human Services or Social Services (preferred).
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with older adults in community-based settings (preferred).
• Minimum of two years’ experience working in a community-based program (preferred).
• Volunteer or professional advocacy experience (preferred).
• Working or otherwise developing relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, such as differences related to culture, religion, financial resources, race, national origin, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and abilities.
• Familiarity with client confidentiality practices, HIPAA, and electronic health record practices (preferred).

Skills and Qualities:

• Russian language proficiency (preferred)
• Sincere commitment to consistently reflecting JFCS’s Values: compassion; inclusion; innovation; integrity; and collaboration.
• Relationship builder and sustainer, with staff, clients, and community partners.
• Knowledge of Twin Cities food security community partnerships and opportunities.
• Knowledge of unique barriers faced by people experiencing food insecurity.
• Strong interviewing and assessment skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management and task prioritization skills.
• Proficient user of electronic health record systems (preferred).
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to creatively and effectively problem-solve and collaborate with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to effectively engage with people from all backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and mental and physical abilities.
• Ability to manage a hybrid work model between in office/field and working from home.
• Experience working with ServTracker (preferred).

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Frequent interpersonal communication, writing, telephone communication, and driving. Combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending and stooping, etc., in an office environment. Lifting up to 30 lbs. Indoor office setting and frequent meetings in and outside of the office. Must have transportation to outside meetings and appointments. Record keeping. Must have use of a car, a current Minnesota driver’s license, auto insurance with appropriate coverage limits and clean driver record.

Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.