Community Outreach Worker; Snap-Ed University of Illinois Extension

Be part of the action working in your community: Do you see yourself as a good listener who can build trust in the community? Join our team to be part of the difference. Team members use their unique understanding of the experience, financial needs, language, and/or culture of the community to promote healthy behaviors, build stronger relationships between the community, Extension, and health and social services, and provide information about healthy food and physical activity options.

On-the-job training provided.

The Community Worker will lead classes and provide information to local community members (adults and youth) in basic nutrition, physical activity, and food access for individuals and families in need. The goal is to help eligible families make positive changes for their health. This is a full-time civil service position, 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day, which supports the goals of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed) at University of Illinois Extension.

Spend significant time in the community teaching programs for youth and adults as outlined for SNAP-Ed. This may include gathering and shopping for required materials, prepping food, and leading basic cooking and physical activities at community sites.

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands, including independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing, and pulling movements.

High school diploma or equivalent.
One (1) year (12 months) of experience (paid or unpaid) in work related to the job to be performed.
Take and pass the Certified Food Protection Manager course within the first year of employment and maintain certification every 5 years.

• Knowledge of the local community and ability to get to community locations in a timely manner.
• Ability to interact and engage diverse individuals and groups. Ability to speak in front of audiences, adults and youth and provide clear information.
• Energetic and outgoing, self-driven.
• Build rapport and connection with clients in an empathetic manner, willing to listen and validate their feelings. Show kindness.
• Willingness to learn and understand new…