CURRENT OPENINGS

Community Nutrition Educator

Download position description (PDF)

Office Location: 401 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569
Full-time: 37.5 hours per week

Application Deadline: October 17, 2008

Purpose of Position:

This skilled person is responsible for implementing public education to improve healthy food and lifestyle choices among limited-resource families and individuals in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) and the Eat Smart New York (ESNY) program, a Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program. This includes presenting a series of lessons that focus on nutrition, food preparation, food safety, and food resource management.

Major Components of Position:

• 70% - Program Development and Implementation of Lesson Plans
• 25% - Recruiting and Documentation
• 5% - Professional Improvement

General Responsibilities:

• Initially completes 120 hours of training in food, nutrition, and other related subjects provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) staff and regional team.
• Recruit and maintain required number of adults in the EFNEP and ESNY programs. Meet specific goals for number of program graduates.
• Develop lesson plans based on identified needs of program participants. Make creative use of visual aids and other effective teaching tools.
• Instruct program participants in groups and individually on one or more of the following subjects:
  • Nutrition and food selection
  • Planning and preparation of well balanced meals
  • Food safety
  • Resource management as it relates to nutrition
  • Using food stamps
  • Benefits of physical activity
• Obtain participant consent forms and maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain timely records and complete reports as required to evaluate participant progress and program outcomes.
• Participate in special events that promote EFNEP, ESNY, and other CCE programs.
• Collaborate with community agencies that serve target audience.
• Inform families of other CCE programs and community agencies relevant to learner needs; provide information on Food Stamp eligibility and enrollment.
• Provide factual, research-based information to program participants and collaborating community agencies.
• Promote a positive program and organizational image to clientele through quality lessons and a professional demeanor.
• Pursue personal growth and continue to develop professional knowledge by attending regular team meetings, in-services, and researching topics to meet the special needs of our participants.
• Participate in CCE association staff meetings and contribute to association goals, including participation on staff committees.

Reporting Relationships:

The Nutrition Program Supervisor provides direct guidance and daily supervision. The CCE Association Executive Director provides administrative supervision.

Experience Requirements:

Associates degree and one year volunteer or work-related experience or high school diploma and 2 years volunteer or work experience. Additional relevant experience working with target audience and community organizations desired.

Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Basic cooking skills and interest in good nutrition
• Ability to present effective and relevant non-formal educational lessons to target audiences
• Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor
• Enthusiasm and initiative in performance of daily responsibilities
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team
• Good judgement and ability to keep information confidential
• Good problem solving ability
• Willingness to continually expand knowledge of subject matter
• Basic word processing skills and willingness to improve personal technical capabilities
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity

Special Requirements:

Must be able to meet travel requirements of the position. When a personal vehicle is used, mileage will be reimbursed for official business use. Physical ability to carry supplies and equipment used in program delivery.

Must be available to work some flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, and occasional holidays.

• Download Application (pdf)