Maternal Health Advocate

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 40 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

1) Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.

2) Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.

3) Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

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

Position Summary:

The Maternal Health Advocate (MHA) plays a critical frontline role in advancing maternal and infant health across the St. Louis region. Working directly with expectant and new mothers, the MHA helps families navigate food insecurity, access essential resources, and build community. This position combines high-touch support, mobile service delivery, and cross-sector collaboration to improve health equity and outcomes for program participants.

This position requires compassion, cultural humility, logistical strength, and the ability to move fluidly between home visits, events, data systems, and team meetings. It's ideal for someone who thrives in community settings, brings a strengths-based approach to engagement, and is deeply committed to maternal and child health justice.

Essential Functions:

Direct Participant Support

• Facilitate goal-setting with program participants to support self-identified priorities
• Coordinate care and referrals related to healthcare, food access, housing, transportation, baby items, mental health, and other needs
• Conduct field-based outreach, intake, and postpartum home visits
• Provide logistical and emotional support during participant-facing events, including on-site childcare
• Plan, develop, and facilitate non-therapeutic parenting and support groups
• Source and deliver essential baby items to participants as needed

Program Coordination & Data

• Collect, track, and report program data as required for organizational outcomes, grants, and research studies (e.g., WashU longitudinal maternal health study)
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of all encounters, services, and follow-ups
• Support coordination of food delivery and nutrition services in collaboration with internal partners
• Collaborate with program, research, and community teams to align on goals and logistics

Community Engagement

• Represent OFS and the maternal health team at external meetings and community events
• Build partnerships and visibility through regular engagement with community-based providers
• Attend regular supervision and team meetings; participate in professional development and required trainings

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent lived/professional experience in social work, psychology, public health, early childhood, or a related field
• At least 1–2 years of experience working with maternal/child health, food insecurity, or family support services

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong case engagement skills and commitment to a nonjudgmental, participant-centered approach
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care, racial equity, and community health
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); comfort with data entry and documentation
• Ability to work independently, manage a mobile workflow, and adapt to diverse needs

Working Conditions and Requirements:

• This is a mobile, community-based role; 50% (or more) of the work occurs outside of the office
• Daily travel across the St. Louis Metro area for home visits, events, and meetings
• Flexibility in work hours is expected based on participant needs and events
• Occasional lifting and transportation of food, baby items, and program materials
• Participation in weekend or evening events may be required

Benefits – FT Positions:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HRA and FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability income
• Company-paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary employee-paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.