Nutrition Aide (UMass Extension/Auburn Office - Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region. This position is based in the Nutrition Education Program's Auburn, MA office.

Job Summary

Using standardized curriculum materials, teach food and nutrition topics to low income adults, youth, and/or families as part of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in a variety of community settings. Use standardized evaluation instruments to assess program participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to determine educational needs and program impacts. Refer program participants to appropriate assistance programs. Recruit program groups through collaborating community agencies and programs. Participate in staff development and training opportunities to enhance knowledge of nutrition topics and successful methods for nutrition education. This position is based in the Nutrition Education Program's Auburn, MA office.

Essential Functions

• Using standardized curriculum materials, teach food and nutrition related subject matter to low income adults, youth, and/or families of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Teach participants in groups at community settings including but not limited to homeless shelters, job training programs, pregnant and parenting teen programs, schools, summer youth programs, recreation programs, after school programs, YMCAs/YWCAs, and preschool programs. Recruit and enroll groups through these collaborating community agencies.
• Use standardized evaluation instruments to assess program participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to determine educational needs and program impacts. Use computer-based systems for entering and tracking this information. Interpret and convey assessment information to participants as part of nutrition education activities.
• Provide referrals and encourage participants to utilize assistance of other community services.
• Present food demonstrations and/or nutrition information at local farmers' markets and at community-based activities as assigned.
• Complete and maintain required records and reports for all activities. Use computer-based systems for recording and reporting activities.
• Prepare and submit weekly work schedule. Revise and update weekly work schedule to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service training programs at the local, regional, and state level to enhance nutrition knowledge, teaching skills, and other aspects of work performance.
• May occasionally assist in promoting the program(s) through local media such as television, radio, newspapers and other publications.
• Transport self to various work and training sites.
• Work actively to ensure that all programs are conducted in compliance with federal, state and University Affirmative Action policies.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, 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 (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check.
• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License.
• Basic knowledge of homemaking skills, including food preparation and nutritional needs.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend the English language and ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform simple numerical computations accurately, to prepare reports, and maintain accurate records.
• Basic knowledge and comfort with using computers.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression and to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and or economic backgrounds.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and demonstrate integrity and accountability when working independently in the community.
• Willingness and ability to work in economically and socially disadvantaged areas.
• Ability to lift and carry nutrition education materials to program sites.
• Access to private transportation to reach program and training sites.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Bi/Multi-lingual.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Ability to lift and carry nutrition education materials to program sites.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 5:00pm.
• 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, therefore.

Salary Information

Grade 11

Special Instructions to Applicants

Submit online application, resume and provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. ()

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.