SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, Northwest KS — Great Bend

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:

Planning and preparation

• 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.)

Teaching

• 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.

Community outreach and PSE work

• 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 Northwest Kansas.

Reporting

• Gather data and compile SNAP-Ed reports and records.

Professional development

• 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 Northwest Area SNAP-Ed regional specialist.

Location and Worksite Options:

This position will serve communities in Northwest Kansas. The primary office is in Great Bend, KS. (A primary office in Hays, KS could be negotiated.) Regular travel to various sites within the Northwest Area 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.

Why Join 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 (DCF) and implemented by K-State Research and Extension (KSRE).   For more information go to ksu.edu/ks-snaped/.

This position is benefits eligible: health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance program, paid time off-vacation, sick and holidays. To learn more visit: www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits.

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 (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:

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

How to Apply:

You will be asked to submit the following:

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 Janelle VanKooten at janellev@ksu.edu.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:

$16.50 - $20.50/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.