Food Resource Patient Coordinator

Food Resource Patient Coordinator

The Food Resource Desk Coordinator supports the VCU Massey Food is Medicine initiative by coordinating food assistance activities and helping connect patients and families with resources that address food insecurity. This role contributes directly to improving patient well-being and advancing equitable access to nutritious food.

Unit: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Ctr MBU

Department: Massey Central Admin

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mission: To reduce the state cancer burden for all Virginians by addressing the confluence between biological, social, and policy drivers through high-impact, cutting-edge research; person-centered care across the continuum, from prevention through survivorship; community integration; and training the next generation of community-centric researchers and healthcare professionals

Vision: To be a premier community-focused cancer center leading the nation in cancer health equity research and ensuring optimal health outcomes for all

The university and the region

VCU is a public research university unlike any other, dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients. Inclusion is our heartbeat and it drives us to tackle difficult challenges others can't or won't. We're home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities for our students.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

We are the university for Virginia. We know that the unique backgrounds and life experiences of the VCU community are what drive the university forward. Together, we're forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to reimagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow.

VCU dates to 1838 with the formation of the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, whose mission was to educate physicians in central Virginia and which was later renamed Medical College of Virginia. In 1968, Richmond Professional Institute merged with the Medical College of Virginia to become what is now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Located in downtown Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, VCU enrolls more than 28,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate programs across its urban campuses: the downtown Monroe Park and MCV campuses in Richmond; the Rice Rivers Center in Charles City, Virginia; satellite locations in Fairfax, Virginia, and Abingdon, Virginia; and a campus in Doha, Qatar, for the School of the Arts.

Ignited by the energy of the city, we're ready to lead industries — or disrupt them. We seek out the unexpected, the experimental, the never-been-tried. VCU is designated as a research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, garnering more than $500 million in sponsored research from federal and other agencies in FY2024. The National Science Foundation ranked VCU among the top 50 public research universities in the country, and we are one of only 69 public universities nationwide to be designated by the Carnegie Foundation as "Community Engaged" with "Very High Research Activity."

This research enterprise, and the influence of having one of the nation's top-ranked public graduate arts schools, ensures students receive unique educational experiences that equip them with a creative mindset that sets them apart.

VCU's contributions in talent, innovation and entrepreneurialism, regional stewardship and local culture shape the economic impact and overall quality of life in the region. VCU as a whole generates more than $9 billion in economic activity. It is the largest employer in Richmond with more than 26,000 employees at VCU and VCU Health, and it supports approximately 58,000 jobs in Virginia. In addition, Virginia classifies VCU with a Tier III status — the highest possible status for universities and colleges — allowing VCU more flexibility in managing its operations to implement best practices and streamline processes. To learn about VCU's finances, visit about.finance.vcu.edu.

VCU's mission, under the leadership of President Michael Rao, Ph.D., is to serve as one national urban public research institution dedicated to the success and well-being of our students, patients, faculty, staff and community through:

• Real-world learning that furthers civic engagement, inquiry, discovery and innovation.
• Research that expands the boundaries of new knowledge and creative expression and promotes translational applications to improve the quality of human life.
• Interdisciplinary collaborations and community partnerships that advance innovation, enhance cultural and economic vitality, and solve society's most complex challenges.
• Health sciences that preserve and restore health for all people, seek the cause and cure of diseases through groundbreaking research and educate those who serve humanity.

Welcome to VCU. A world unlike any other.

Position Summary

The Food Resource Desk Coordinator (PART-TIME) supports the VCU Massey Food is Medicine initiative by coordinating food assistance activities and helping connect patients and families with resources that address food insecurity. This role contributes directly to improving patient well-being and advancing equitable access to nutritious food. The Coordinator assistants with patient intake and communication, maintains supplies and inventory, supports food distribution logistics, and provides volunteer coordination and community engagement support. Working collaboratively with clinical and community partners, the Coordinator ensures that food access services are delivered efficiently, compassionately, and in alignment with VCU Massey's mission to promote health and wellness in cancer care.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Coordination and Patient Support

• Serves as a point of contact to assist with data collection, referrals, and food distribution for patients with food need.
• Support patient intake processes and documentation in accordance with established protocols.
• Assist with the coordination of food deliveries and management of inventory, ensuring timely, accurate distribution of resources, and communication with team members.
• Maintain equipment and supply organization for food distribution activities; effectively communicate with team any changes or deviations in protocol.
• Participate in research activities related to the Food is Medicine initiative, including completion of CITI training and data entry in REDCap and Epic.
• Contact patients via telephone or MyChart to let them know of the Food Is Medicine initiative and their eligibility

Volunteer Support and Education

• Assist with the coordination and orientation of volunteers involved in food distribution and education programs.
• Ensure volunteers have a positive, productive experience aligned with program goals.
• Support staff and educational activities related to nutrition, cooking skills, and sustainable food practices.
• Review and help distribution educational and training materials for individuals and community partners.

Partnership and Community Engagement

• Represent Massey and VCU professionally, courteously, and respectfully at all times.
• Interact with staff, patients, and stakeholders in a positive and productive way.
• Engage with the community to raise awareness about available resources and programs that address food insecurity.

Qualifications:

• High School degree required and or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Minimum of two years of relevant customer service, community outreach, or program coordination experience.
• Computer skills including MS Office products, Gmail, Internet, and general computer proficiency required.
• Excellent English skills (both verbal and written), organizational skills, time management, prioritizing tasks, detail oriented, and multi-tasking required.
• Must have reliable transport to work.
• Must have adequate mobility and be able to carry up to 30 lbs as needed for food distribution and related activities.
• Must be willing to maintain a flexible work schedule. As this is a patient-facing role, work hours may align with VCU Health's operating hours.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Please note VCU is not able to provide ongoing visa sponsorship for this position.

Please let us know if you were referred by a current Massey employee to ensure we honor our commitment to the Employee Referral Program.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Salary Range: Starting at $20/hr - Commensurate with Experience

Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 20

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