Nutrition Aide (UMass Extension EFNEP Nutrition Education Aide, Springfield Office)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Springfield (MA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The EFNEP Nutrition Education Aide delivers public education for UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program to improve healthy food and lifestyle choices among at-risk, low-resource families across the Western Region of Massachusetts, with the main office in Springfield, MA.

You will present 8 to 10 lessons on general nutrition, food preparation, food safety and budgeting, recruit participants, and collect data while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 2 years relevant experience, or an associate degree with 1 year experience.
• Strong oral communication and presentation skills.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation and nutritional needs.
• Ability to keep information confidential.
• Ability to work with economically disadvantaged populations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Zoom.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed participant recruitment and teaching goals.
• Travel to communities to teach nutrition to diverse groups.
• Deliver lessons in schools, shelters, and other settings.
• Recruit and graduate participants for the program.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant data and program records.
• Document results and report program outcomes to partners.
• Ensure compliance with policies and data collection requirements.

Skills

Oral communication

Confidentiality

Time management

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Travel ability

English comprehension

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Zoom

Electronic calendar tools

Job description

Title: Nutrition Aide (UMass Extension EFNEP Nutrition Education Aide, Springfield Office)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: UMass Extension

Work Location: Springfield

Schedule:Full Time

Work Arrangement:Hybrid

Job Summary

The EFNEP Nutrition Education Aide delivers public education for UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program to improve healthy food and lifestyle choices among at-risk, limited resource families and individuals encompassing all age groups in various locations throughout the Western Region of Massachusetts with the main office location located in Springfield, MA.

This includes presenting a series of 8 to 10 lessons that focus on general nutrition, food preparation, food safety and food budgeting using approved curriculum materials in a variety of community settings. Recruitment of participants is also included as part of the workday. The individual will collect and manage participant data regarding knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors; ensuring confidentiality at all times.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for meeting or exceeding participant number goals through teaching and recruitment.
• Travels and teaches food and nutrition related subject matter to at-risk, low-income adults, youth, and/or families. Utilizes existing and approved program materials, lesson plans, and educational framework to teach adult and youth participants in the Nutrition Education Program.
• Teaches lessons in a variety of community settings throughout the program region, including: homeless shelters and other high-risk environments, job training programs, pregnant and parenting teen programs, schools, out-of-school-time youth programs, preschools, and others as assigned.
• Presents food demonstrations and/or nutrition information at community-based activities, such as regional farmers’ markets, food pantries, schools, and other locations as assigned.
• Recruits and graduates adult and youth participants for the Nutrition Education Program.
• Maintains confidentiality of information, participant information, and data collected.
• Responds to participant needs related to food security/access and other health/safety issues by referring participants to community services and agencies. Maintains a working knowledge of community services available in the local community.
• Collaborates with community agencies that serve the NEP program audience. Connects these partners with other Extension program resources.
• Serves as a resource on EFNEP programs and food and nutrition-related subjects and responds to inquiries.
• Participates in design of program delivery methods with the state-wide EFNEP educator team through feedback and annual meetings.
• Maintains and increases personal and professional competence through participation in in-service training, professional activities, and continuing education. With the assistance of the project leader, prepares and implements a personalized professional development plan.
• Represents UMass Extension before the public, community leaders, government officials, UMass, or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
• Supports the promotion of the program(s) through various media channels and in-person events.
• Uses required computer applications for tracking, recording, and reporting nutrition education activities and program outcomes. Completes and maintains required records and reports for all activities promptly and accurately. Data collection includes evaluation measures, enrollment and exit data for all participants and maintaining records of class participants. Communicates program evaluation results with partners (summary of data, how program went, photos).
• Work actively to ensure that all programs are conducted in compliance with federal, state and University Affitative Action policies.

Other Functions

• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED plus two (2) years of relevant work or volunteer experience; or an associate’s degree and one (1) year of relevant work/volunteer experience.
• Competent level of oral communication and presentation skills.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation skills and nutritional needs. Comfortable purchasing and preparing food.
• Possess effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to keep information confidential.
• Ability to work in economically disadvantaged areas and with at-risk populations.
• Ability to establish rapport with people from different ethnic, cultural and or economic backgrounds.
• Ability to perform simple numerical computations accurately, to prepare reports, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend the English language and ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Experience with computers, including Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and working knowledge of virtual meeting software such as Zoom. Ability to prepare and use electronic calendar tools for scheduling purposes.
• Successful completion of Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check.
• Possession of a current and valid Driver's License to meet travel requirements associated with the position OR Access to private transportation to transport self to reach program and training sites. Must be able to meet travel requirements associated with the position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bi/Multi-lingual – English with Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese.
• Experience working with the NEP program audience (limited resource participants/communities).
• Familiarity with the community in which the work will take place.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

M-F; 8:30am-5:00p

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the University Staff Association, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:USA/MTA Grade 11

Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.