Food Security Specialist - Social Determinants

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.

At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.

Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Food Security Specialist plays a critical role in advancing Hackensack Meridian Health's (HMH) commitment to social determinants by supporting the strategy and execution of all food security programs network-wide, under the guidance of the Food Security Manager. This role is a data-driven and results-oriented incumbent who excels at launching programs, managing relationships, and driving measurable impacts on the lives of those we serve.

This is a grant-funded, hybrid position where you will be working 2 or more days in the office, a Hackensack Meridian Health hospital site, or community sites such as a community-based organization or a grocery store.

Candidates must have food security experience, which can include the following: working with a food security nonprofit, food service provider, clinical nutrition, or other food systems work.

A day in the life of a Food Security Specialist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Coordinates a portfolio of food security programs, ensuring alignment with HMH's "food as medicine" strategy and maximizing programmatic efficiency and utilization.
• Assists in the development and implementation of innovative program models, incorporating best practices and evidence-based interventions, and tracking program outcomes.
• Supports the Food Security Manager in cultivating and managing relationships with stakeholders, including HMH team members, community-based organizations, government agencies, and funding partners.
• Contributes to grant writing, proposal development, and effective relationship management, expanding the reach and impact of food security initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Data Supervisor to develop dashboards and visualizations, effectively communicating program impact and key metrics to internal and external stakeholders, with guidance from the Food Security Manager.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of food security experience.
• Passionate and knowledgeable about food security issues in New Jersey.
• Strong communication, public speaking, and customer service skills.
• Conscientious self-starter with good organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Pursuing a Masters in Public Health (MPH), Masters in Health Administration (MHA), or related field.
• Multilingual, Spanish.
• Desiring to learn more about hospital healthcare.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver's License from a USA state.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!