About This Role:

The Extension Nutrition Program, within K-State Research and Extension, is currently seeking four part-time Extension Nutrition Assistants. The Extension Nutrition Assistant will provide nutrition education to low-income families with young children and youth as part of the goals and objectives of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). This position provides nutrition education to enrolled families and youth on a daily basis and tailors the content to suit the needs of each client. The position requires strong interpersonal skills in order to effectively recruit and retain program participants and develop collaborative partnerships with community agencies. The Extension Nutrition Assistant reports to the Southwest Area Nutrition Extension Agent.

This position will be responsible for hosting nutrition education classes during the 2022 calendar year.  Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Administer the 24-hour food recall and food-physical activity questionnaire to newly enrolled families in order to assess dietary behavior and needs
• Plan appropriate learning experiences for enrolled EFNEP families based on approved curriculum and current guidance in order to improve food, nutrition and physical activity knowledge and behaviors
• Submit accurate and timely records and reports in order to track program activities and participant progress
• Make contact and maintain collaborative relationships with other agencies in order to recruit clients and expand the program
• Encourage low-income families to enroll in EFNEP through various recruiting opportunities such as demonstrations, group presentations, individual contacts and/or distribution of printed materials
• Participate in staff meetings, statewide trainings, annual conferences, workshops and seminars in order to improve nutrition knowledge, teaching methodology and record keeping skills

This is a part-time position and is non-benefits eligible.  The selected candidates will work an average of 8-12 hours/week.  They will be expected to work as needed to fulfil their role; this flexible schedule means that weekly time-worked may range from 0 to 18 hours, depending on programming needs.

This appointment is a temporary position and is contingent upon the continuing availability of funding and the need for these services.

Location:

This position will serve the Southwestern Kansas area. Primary office location will be in Garden City, KS. Regular travel to various sites within Southwest Kansas is required, along with occasional overnight travel for trainings (approximately 3-4 times per year).

Why Join Us:

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program is a nutrition education program provided at no cost to Kansas families and caregivers of young children with limited resources. EFNEP uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health and well-being. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers EFNEP through land-grant universities’ cooperative extension programs.

For more information, visit the USDA’s EFNEP website.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion.  The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others.  The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education and/or related experience in Human Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences, or closely related field
• Demonstrated ability to work with economically disadvantaged populations
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of basic principles of food preparation, nutrition and food safety
• Ability to plan and prepare nutritious family meals
• Experience inputting data and keeping records and reports as required by Federal program guidelines
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-Speaking learners

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and proof of vehicle insurance

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Contact information for three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For more information, contact Bertha Mendoza at bmendoza@ksu.edu.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:

$13.50 - $15.50/hour

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.