Family & Community Health Educator

Family & Community Health Educator

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking multiple Family & Community Health Educators. These positions improve the health and well-being of South Dakotans by delivering evidence-based health education programs, supporting behavior change, and connecting individuals with resources that promote healthy lifestyles and chronic disease self-management. This position is grant funded, continuation is dependent on performance and funding availability.

As the outreach arm of our state's land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSUExtension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed.

SDSUExtension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through our website (formerly iGrow.org).These positions are located at one of the Extension Regional Centers in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Pierre, and Wager. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provides program delivery which includes delivering comprehensive, evidence-based public health and nutrition education to youth and adults through group instruction.
• Leads networking and partnership development efforts by establishing, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders that support varied and limited-resource populations to enhance collaboration and community impact.
• Manages reporting and data tracking processes, ensuring accurate documentation, timely completion of reports, and adherence to established deadlines.
• Monitors and tracks participant progress and outcomes while demonstrating strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.

Benefits:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Chronic disease prevention, health promotion, physical activity, and nutrition education
• Food safety, preparation, household budgeting, and smart shopping techniques
• Basic teaching methodologies for youth and adults
• Basic statistical and arithmetic concepts, including calculating percentages
• Assigned service area (community) and existing community services and resources
• Basic computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft applications and technology, including data entry and record maintenance

Skill & Ability to:

• Skills:
• Managing inventories and budgets
• Working or volunteering with limited-resource families and varied populations
• Managing volunteers, adults, or students in classroom or educational settings, including teaching adults in group settings
• Organizing work, managing time, and working independently
• Maintaining accurate, complete, and compliant records
• Ability to:
• Conduct participant interviews, collect feedback, and organize data
• Gather, interpret, and report basic health and nutrition findings
• Interpret and apply program guidelines, procedures, and curricula
• Oral, written, and listening communication skills with varied audiences
• Work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team
• Network and build relationships with partners, agencies, and participants
• Promote and market programming to rural and limited-resource audiences and organizations serving those populations
• Lift up to 40 pounds and bend or stand for extended periods

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:

• College coursework, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree preferred