Pay Grade: 28N

Context of the Job:

Cooperative Extension is an informal, educational, nationwide network that combines the expertise and resources of federal, state, and local governments to improve people’s lives.

For over a century, the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension has made a difference in the First State by providing quality educational programming to individuals and communities based on university research and aimed at meeting the expressed needs of our constituents. The outreach arm of USDA and the land-grant university system, Cooperative Extension, takes the University to the people with programming that includes food safety; nutrition, diet, and health; 4-H and youth development; sustainable agriculture; home gardening; financial and resource management; leadership and volunteer development; and much more.

Under the general direction of the Community Health Specialist (Health and Well-being Program Leader), the Extension Associate will conduct youth and adult nutrition and physical activity-based programming within Extension’s plan of work, specifically for the SNAP-Ed and EFNEP federal grant programs. The Extension Associate is responsible for supporting the implementation of the curricula approved through federal reporting for youth and adults. Working with agents and other educator staff in Kent and Sussex counties to coordinate and identify partners, the incumbent will recruit sites and implement programming. This position is based in Sussex County at the Carvel Education and Research Center.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct adult programming focused on nutrition and physical activity for both English—and Spanish-speaking communities at community locations in Sussex County, with some travel to Kent County as necessary.
• Conduct youth nutrition programming, both in English and Spanish, for the SNAP-Ed grant in Sussex Counties.
• Contribute to the marketing needs of the SNAP-Ed program for the state through assisting with social media content as related to programming.
• Recruit participants and partnership sites to implement programming, with a specific focus on, but not solely, Spanish speaking residents.
• Attend community events for outreach.
• Work with the Health and Well-being program leader to address challenges in programming and adapt curricula as needed.
• Translate materials or create new ones to better meet audience needs as necessary.
• Use developed survey tools and report in the Extension system.
• Work collaboratively with representatives of Extension and other agencies, organizations and community members to identify nutrition needs in communities.
• Develop and maintain professional competence through participation in educational meetings, seminars, and workshops locally, statewide, and nationally.
• Must follow affirmative action and equal opportunity guidelines to ensure equal access to Extension programs.
• Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and three years of experience in community health, community education, nutrition, or public health, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be bilingual, Spanish (oral and written).
• Excellent organizational, management, and human relations skills, including past experience working with diverse teams.
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability to effectively motivate and teach on an individual/group basis with a variety of audiences and educational levels.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of diverse cultures, with the ability to design programs that are culturally sensitive and relevant.
• Recent successful experience in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating interdisciplinary programs for adults and youth.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and written, with individuals of diverse backgrounds, ranging from academics to the general public.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.

Special Requirements:

• Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation are required.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a comprehensive background investigation including fingerprints/criminal history, which indicates that the individual is suitable for employment in compliance with applicable federal and/or state regulations.