Position Function:
Nutrition Educators are paraprofessionals responsible for delivering nutrition education to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligible adults and youth in group settings using evidence-based curricula and materials and implementing policies, systems, and environmental strategies in the community to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Nutrition Educators engage in training opportunities provided by the Office of Nutrition Education, collect data, and perform other assigned tasks.
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a federally funded nutrition education program that uses a peer educator model to teach families and youth. EFNEP programming includes basic nutrition, food preparation skills, food safety, food resource management, food security, and physical activity.
Salary Grade: 12
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The office of Nutrition Education includes two federally funded programs, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) for persons eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The programs, in collaboration with community partners, focus on preventing nutrition and physical activity-related chronic diseases, improving food security, and creating supportive environments to make healthy choices easier where people eat, live, learn, work, play, and shop.
Area of Specialization:
Nutrition Education.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 1, 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Build and maintain effective internal and external partnerships.
2. Plan programs and logistics.
3. Deliver programs.
4. Evaluate programs.
5. Maintain accurate records and reports.
6. Communicate program value.
7. Build and maintain productive interpersonal relationships.
8. Demonstrate technology literacy.
9. Demonstrate personal accountability.
10. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma or GED, General Studies
Experience: Two years relevant work experience (customer service, food preparation, or clerical).
Substitutions: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of food and nutrition related to meal planning, food selection, grocery shopping, food preparation, food storage, and food safety.
• Knowledge and ability to accurately enter data and maintain electronic records using technology and web-based programs.
• Knowledge of community resources and understanding of limited-resource participant needs.
• Knowledge of basic math skills.
• Ability to effectively teach, engage, and manage youth and adult classes, including hands-on activities.
• Ability to plan, organize, and work well with all audiences.
• Ability to work as part of a team and individually.
• Ability to respond positively to supervision.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively with limited daily supervision.
• Ability to follow directions and complete reports timely.
• Ability to identify problems, seek solutions, and effectively solve problems.
• Ability to demonstrate and sustain 15 minutes of moderate-level physical activity.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Job frequently requires sustained standing, sitting, stooping, reaching, and crouching.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Varying work environments include typical office settings, government agency offices, schools, gardens, retail, food pantries, etc.
• Travel to and work in the community.
• Occasional overnight, evening, and weekend travel to partner sites and for local and state training is required.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
• ServSafe Certification and National Nutrition Certification within six months of employment and maintenance of certifications during employment.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance to be used for travel connected with official duties.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at http://msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter and resume.
Screening Date:
April 9, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
