Community Nutrition Educator

Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County; East Meadow (NY); On-site; USD 31,684 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

NY retirement

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County is looking for a Community Nutrition Educator to enhance healthy food choices within the community by delivering comprehensive nutrition education programs. The role requires a strong background in nutrition, effective communication skills, and the ability to work with diverse audiences.

This position is full-time, with an hourly rate ranging from $23.00 to $25.00 based on experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent education (GED/High School Diploma and 1 year transferrable program/functional experience).
• Previous nutrition-related knowledge/experience/background.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements.
• Ability to present effective educational lessons to diverse audiences.
• Good judgment and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver nutrition education through the Community Nutrition Education program.
• Implement lesson plans tailored to participant needs.
• Organize and coordinate program activities to meet established goals.
• Assist in marketing and outreach efforts for programming.

Skills

Nutrition-related knowledge

Effective communication skills

Ability to work flexible hours

Teamwork abilities

Education

Associate’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

Zoom

GoToMeeting

Job description

This position will serve as a Community Nutrition Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Nassau County. The Community Nutrition Educator will primarily be responsible for delivery of nutrition education to improve healthy food and lifestyle choices through our Community Nutrition Education program and the Nassau County Office for the Aging senior grant. Participants will include all age groups, including adults, seniors, and youth throughout Nassau County. Educational programming includes, but is not limited to: general nutrition, food preparation, food safety, and food budgeting. Other position responsibilities include, but are not limited to: recruitment of participants; promotion of programs by providing assistance in outreach and social media; collection and management of participant data ensuring confidentiality at all times; assistance in program content development; assistance in developing and maintaining relationships with community agencies; participation in on‑going in‑service education and staff meetings in Nassau County. This position will also assist with marketing efforts for programming in collaboration with supervisor and other nutrition educators.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent education (GED/High School Diploma and 1 year transferrable program/functional experience).
• Previous nutrition-related knowledge/experience/background.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends.
• Ability to transport/move supplies and equipment, climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to utilize computer technologies for educational and communication purposes, including Zoom and GoToMeeting for virtual program delivery.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
• Ability to present effective educational lessons to target audiences and work with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in adult and youth education or other relevant work experience.
• Registered Dietitian or RD‑eligible preferred.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read and write proficiently) in Spanish and/or Haitian‑Creole.
• Master Food Preserver certification.
• Familiarity with preparing foods/culinary experience.
• Familiarity with farm to table and food systems.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in Spanish.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, teach and evaluate informal educational programs through a variety of delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with volunteers and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with reviewing and following recipes and assure compliance to federal and state guidelines.
• Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
• Ability and willingness to maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Good judgment and problem solving skills and ability to keep information confidential.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities

Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research - 85%

• Deliver high quality programming and/or virtual programming to individuals and groups utilizing existing materials and resources.
• Under the direction and oversight of the Supervisor, teach existing lesson plans and materials as needed to meet established program objectives.
• Enroll and teach groups of youth, adults, and seniors through contacts with community agencies including, but not limited to senior centers, libraries, and community centers in Nassau County.
• Implement lesson plans in region with multicultural needs using current and approved curricula and supplemental materials, and tailor appropriate programming based on identified participant needs as applicable.
• Inform participants of other Extension programs, community agencies, and services.
• Under the direction of the Supervisor collaborate with community agencies and participate in discussions surrounding program delivery and community connections with community agencies that serve the program audience.
• Represent CCE before the public, participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.
• Teach small groups of adult classes that promote healthier food choices and increased physical activity. Use Nassau selected curricula and other Cornell approved lessons and the dialogue approach to facilitating groups.
• Assist in the interaction with program participants, advisory committees, Cornell program specialists and faculty, county and community leaders to obtain evaluation data for programs.

Administrative Responsibilities

Coordination/Operation - 10%

• Utilize existing program materials to recruit participants.
• Organize and coordinate program activities (i.e. food demonstrations, direct lessons to adults and youth, etc.) to support delivery of established program goals.
• Submit accurate program related expense receipts and mileage reports in a timely manner.
• Assist in providing marketing materials in the promotion of programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, multi‑media efforts and the environmental change initiative in collaboration with other nutrition educators.
• Complete reports accurately, as requested and/or required.
• Complete program and work records with accuracy and timeliness.
• Accurately collect and prepare paperwork as required for the program evaluation process.
• Assist in providing existing information to bring awareness to the public in the form of impact statements, articles for progress/annual reports, etc.
• Carry out assignments as assigned by supervisor, including, but not limited to: assisting with local health fairs, community activities, etc.
• Refer participants with special needs to community agencies as appropriate. Discuss non‑routine problems/situations with supervisor.
• As needed shop for foods and supplies to be used in classes.
• Actively participate in scheduled staff meetings and in‑service educations sessions, including some in neighboring counties or through virtual platforms.
• Take leadership for special projects, offer ideas to expand program.
• Assist with training of staff, as assigned.
• Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
• This position may require the transport of program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

Position Details

This position is a full‑time, non‑exempt position, 40 hours per week. The hourly rate for this position is $23.00 – $25.00, commensurate with experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation and sick leave.

Pay Rate Type

Hourly