SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, Douglas County
SNAP-Ed is a nutrition education program provided at no cost to Kansas families who are eligible to receive food assistance. Nutrition educators use evidence-based strategies to empower clients to achieve healthy lives and reduce health disparities.
About This Role:
The Extension Nutrition Program, within K-State Research and Extension, is currently seeking a full-time Nutrition Educator. Nutrition educators support the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) mission of empowering limited-resource Kansans to achieve healthy lives and reduce health disparities.
Nutrition educators will use evidence-based strategies, including:
- Direct education in various settings.
- Community-based projects to address policy, system, and environmental (PSE) changes.
- Public health approaches to help children, adults and older adults improve dietary quality, develop food resource management skills and increase physical activity.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Collaborate with local extension professionals to assess the nutrition and health needs of residents with limited resources.
- Prepare for events by gathering necessary materials. (For example, purchasing and preparing food for a cooking demonstration.)
- Coordinate, prepare and deliver curriculum-based nutrition education programming to groups and individuals of various ages. Programs may be hosted online, as hybrid events or in settings like housing authorities, food pantries, schools, etc. Educational events will include recipe demonstrations, informational presentations, and interactive lessons.
- Communicate and interact appropriately with culturally diverse audiences.
- Utilize critical thinking skills to solve problems and adapt to new situations that may arise while working with clients.
- Develop partnerships and contacts with local service agencies, school districts and other community organizations.
- Participate in community coalitions to promote, implement and support initiatives for PSE changes related to SNAP-Ed objectives.
- Serve as a local SNAP-Ed program and
K-State Research and Extension representative for Douglas County.
- Gather data and compile SNAP-Ed reports and records.
- Participate in regular training, including staff meetings, statewide trainings and events, and approved conferences and workshops to improve nutrition knowledge, teaching practices, cultural awareness, and record keeping skills.
This position reports to the Douglas County community health and wellness extension agent.
Location and Worksite Options:
This position will serve Douglas County. The primary office is in Lawrence, KS. Regular travel to various sites within Douglas County is required, along with occasional overnight travel for trainings (approximately 2-3 times per year).
This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment locations.
About Us:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is a nutrition education program provided at no cost to Kansas families with limited resources. Our goal is to provide nutrition education to individuals and families who receive food assistance or who are eligible to receive food assistance. In addition, we promote, implement and support initiatives for Policy, System and Environmental changes to improve dietary quality, prevent obesity and increase physical activity. SNAP-Ed is sponsored by the USDA through a contract with the Kansas Department for Children and Families and implemented by K-State Research and Extension. For more information about Kansas SNAP-Ed go to k-state.edu/ks-snaped.
K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. Our system is designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. We are a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. We have extension offices in every Kansas county. Learn more at ksre.k-state.edu.
LiveWell Douglas County, the county’s health and wellness coalition focused on reducing health disparities is co-housed at the K-State Research and Extension office in Douglas County.
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 Qualifications:
- High school diploma (or equivalent).
- Two years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in nutrition, family and consumer sciences, public health, education, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated interest in physical activity, food safety, meal planning, food preparation and food resource management.
- Experience working with limited-resource families and diverse audiences.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, confident speaking in front of groups and facilitating meetings.
- Leadership experience in community-level initiatives.
- Experience facilitating educational programs with youth, adults and older adults.
- Understanding of public health approaches to promote policy, system and environmental changes to improve access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities.
- Experience complying with standardized policies and procedures and grant reporting requirements.
- Bilingual / ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.
Other Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance and reliable transportation.
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
How to Apply:
You will be asked to submit the following:
- Cover letter.
- Resume.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Screening of Applications Begins:
Screening will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Compensation:
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:
$16.50 – $20.50 per hour.
Benefits:
This position is benefits eligible. Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: k-state.edu/hr/benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
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.
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