Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness; Food and Health Systems

Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems) – 1035890

The Extension Educator serves as a regular, full‑time, 12‑month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension. Extension Educators support one of the four core Extension program areas and, within that program area, may focus on one or more of the following interdisciplinary initiatives:
Community, Environment, Economy, Food, and Health. Programmatic objectives of Extension Educators will be consistent with national and statewide initiatives considered of significant importance to residents of the state of Illinois.

Extension Educators will be expected to deliver research‑based educational programs and to work within team settings that may consist of other Extension Educators, community professionals, and faculty within and outside of the College of ACES. The establishment of professional networks as well as the development of relationships with key stakeholder groups is vital to the success of Extension Educators. Extension Educators will be expected to deliver educational programs not only within their assigned multi‑county unit, but as requested, to clientele within other units.

Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems) is responsible for organizing and conducting programs using policy, system, and environmental changes targeting specified health outcomes in alignment with the plan of work. Position requires developing partnerships with community organizations, providing technical assistance and working collaboratively with community partners, and providing professional development for organizations in communities within the target area.

Knowledge of how to initiate community and systems changes using evidence‑based strategies are essential for this position.

One full‑time position is available.

Location: Unit 21 – Clay, Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper Counties (Position will be housed in Effingham County – Effingham, IL). Additional positions may be available in other locations.

Note:

This is a security‑sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.
• Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliver high impact programs to all audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short‑term impacts but also on long‑term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. This may include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter, Facebook, blogs, e‑learning, etc.).
• Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans of work, activity and impact reporting, etc.).

Organizational Leadership and Development

• Market and represent…