SNAP-Ed. Program Associate I - Community Nutrition Outreach - Camden County

The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) is an integral component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The experiment station provides a diverse range of research, extension, and education programs that serve the people of New Jersey and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live. Through its Cooperative Extension offices in all 21 New Jersey counties, dedicated 4-H agents, Extension specialists, Family & Community Health Sciences educators, and Agriculture and Natural Resources agents work to serve New Jersey residents in every area of the state.

As the health and wellness component of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the Department of Family & Community Health Sciences (FCHS) promotes healthy lifestyles and environments for NJ residents and communities with outreach in food, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. Recognized nationally for its work, FCHS connects Rutgers University and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station to communities beyond the campus to build healthy families, schools, and communities. Based locally, in each county, FCHS supports efforts to meet the health and wellness challenges facing communities throughout the state through engaged civic learning, volunteerism, service, community-based research, education, and integrated efforts and partnerships.

The position will provide SNAP-Ed outreach and education in Camden County, with occasional coverage in Burlington, Gloucester, and Mercer Counties and oversight of school wellness initiatives throughout the 4-county region. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) is a federally funded grant program that supports evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions and projects for persons eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through complementary direct education, multi-level interventions, and community and public health approaches to improve nutrition. The goal of the services provided is to help program participants improve their food security; dietary quality; physical activity; and food safety behaviours.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Recruits and works with agencies willing to host SNAP-Ed program(s).
• Ensures compliance with all federal outreach and budget guidelines regarding all activities that occur within the project.
• Responsible for various reports designed to document the project’s success.
• Serves as a mentor to PA IIs and takes a lead in identifying and developing opportunities for professional development for the team.
• Serves on appropriate boards and councils in the community to maintain a strong presence for the program.
• Serves as a role model for volunteers and always maintains a professional demeanor and confidentiality.

Position Status: Full Time

Daily Work Shift: Day

Work Arrangement: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nutrition (preferred), health education, public health, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience, that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of coordination, writing, and nutrition education promotion/outreach.
• Two years of post-baccalaureate experience.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• The individual must successfully complete Rutgers Youth Protection and Serv Safe Food Handler Training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Nutrition degree preferred.
• RDN or CHES preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking/writing preferred.
• Experience implementing community health promotion and behaviour change programmes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, and have experience working with diverse groups/clientele.
• Experience working with limited resource, urban populations.
• Highly proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).
• Comfortable utilizing appliances and kitchen supplies for cooking and food preparation with hands-on nutrition education lessons.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: This position must have the ability to carry program materials and supplies, including audio-visual equipment. Ability to arrange set-up of class space (move tables and chairs).

Special Conditions: Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends. Able to travel statewide. This is a grant-funded position, employment in this position is contingent upon the availability of funds. This position will expire once the grant has ended.