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

Executive Area: Academic Affairs | College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences | Department: UMass Extension | Location: Springfield, MA | Full-time hybrid position

About the Role

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 of all age groups in various locations throughout the Western Region of Massachusetts. This includes presenting a series of 8 to 10 lessons on general nutrition, food preparation, food safety, and food budgeting using approved curriculum materials in community settings. Recruitment of participants is also part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed participant number goals through teaching and recruitment.
• Travel and teach food and nutrition-related subject matter to at-risk, low-income adults, youth, and/or families.
• Utilize approved program materials, lesson plans, and educational frameworks to teach participants in the Nutrition Education Program.
• Teach lessons in community settings such as homeless shelters, job training programs, pregnant and parenting teen programs, schools, out-of-school-time youth programs, preschools, and other assigned locations.
• Present food demonstrations and/or nutrition information at community-based activities (e.g., farmers’ markets, food pantries, schools).
• Recruit and graduate adult and youth participants for the Nutrition Education Program.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information and data collected.
• Respond to participant needs related to food security/access and other health/safety issues by referring them to community services and agencies.
• Maintain a working knowledge of community services available in the local area.
• Collaborate with community agencies serving the NEP program audience and connect them with other Extension program resources.
• Serve as a resource on EFNEP programs and food and nutrition-related subjects, responding to inquiries.
• Participate in the design of program delivery methods with the statewide EFNEP educator team through feedback and annual meetings.
• Maintain and increase personal and professional competence through in-service training, professional activities, and continuing education.
• Prepare and implement a personalized professional development plan with assistance from the project leader.
• Represent UMass Extension before the public, community leaders, government officials, and other institutions as part of program delivery.
• Support program promotion through various media channels and in-person events.
• Use required computer applications for tracking, recording, and reporting nutrition education activities and program outcomes.
• Complete and maintain required records and reports promptly and accurately, including evaluation measures, enrollment and exit data, and class participant records.
• Communicate program evaluation results with partners (e.g., data summaries, program feedback, photos).
• Ensure all programs comply with federal, state, and University Affirmative Action policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including collaborating to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness.

Requirements

• 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 oral communication and presentation skills.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation skills and nutritional needs.
• Comfortable purchasing and preparing food.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work in economically disadvantaged areas and with at-risk populations.
• Ability to establish rapport with people from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to perform simple numerical computations accurately, prepare reports, and maintain records.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehending English, and following written and oral instructions.
• Experience with computers, including Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and virtual meeting software (e.g., Zoom).
• Ability to prepare and use electronic calendar tools for scheduling.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check.
• Possession of a current and valid Driver’s License or access to private transportation to meet travel requirements.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends as needed.

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.

Benefits

This position falls within the University Staff Association and is subject to the terms and conditions of the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement.

Pay

Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 11 (Classified Step Scale).

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed. Hybrid work arrangement available.