Community Outreach Worker (EFNEP) University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,906 - 42,664; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Chicago is seeking a Community Worker to teach nutritional education and promote health within the community. Responsibilities include delivering programs for adults and youth, collaborating with local organizations, and reporting on program metrics. The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma, relevant experience, and the ability to engage with diverse populations. The role offers a full-time appointment with a salary of $38,785.50 and requires the completion of food safety certification.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in community outreach or a related field.
• Certification as a Food Protection Manager required within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Teach nutrition and physical activity classes to community members.
• Develop educational relationships and provide resources to the community.
• Collect information for reporting on program participants.

Skills

Knowledge of the local community

Ability to engage diverse individuals

Strong communication skills

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Extension - Unit 6, Chicago (1140 North Lamon)

WE TRANSFORM LIVES. Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Job Summary

The Community Worker will teach classes and provide information to local community members (adults and youth) in basic nutrition, physical activity, and buying food for individuals and families in need. The goal is to help EFNEP eligible families make positive changes for their health which supports the goals of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at University of Illinois Extension.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Delivery
  • Spend significant time in the community teaching programs for youth and adults using curriculum and materials for EFNEP. This may include gathering and shopping for required materials, prepping food, and leading basic cooking and physical activities at community sites.
  • Develop relationships and provide approved nutrition education materials and resources to community members and organizations in targeted community.
  • Promote EFNEP and Extension opportunities in the identified communities.
• Collaboration
  • Collaborate with team members to plan and monitor unit and EFNEP goals. Refer EFNEP clients to other local agencies (Family Community Resource Centers, WIC, food pantries, etc.) and other Extension staff based upon additional needs/concerns.
  • Collaborate with team members to find potential community partners that serve low-income families.
  • Participate in committees and teams to give feedback that improves the EFNEP program.
• Reporting
  • Collect information from program participants for reports.
  • Complete required monthly and quarterly reports.
• Other
  • Participate in local, regional and statewide professional development opportunities and staff meetings.
  • Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.
  • Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming as assigned.
  • Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of Extension work; assist Unit staff with data collection for Affirmative Action, Gender, and Targeted reports.

Additional Physical Demands To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental, and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting [e-mail].

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

One (1) year (12 months) of experience (paid or unpaid) in work related to the job to be performed.

Take and pass the Certified Food Protection Manager course within the first year of employment and maintain certification every 5 years.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of the local community and ability to get to community locations in a timely manner.
• Ability to interact and engage diverse individuals and groups. Ability to speak in front of audiences, adults and youth and provide clear information.
• Energetic and outgoing, self-driven.
• Build rapport and connection with clients in an empathetic manner, willing to listen and validate their feelings. Show kindness.
• Willingness to learn and understand new material.
• Ability to work flexible hours that may include weekend and evenings.
• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, in person and digital. This includes texting, phone calls, emails, and video conferencing, as necessary.
• Strong people skills and teamwork.
• Basic skills in using computer software and apps.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4520 - Community Outreach Worker position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is $38,785.50.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 06, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [e-mail].

Requisition ID: 1032190

Job Category: Off-Campus

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu