Community Outreach Worker (Snap-Ed) University of Illinois Extension at University of Illinois in Mattoon, Illinois

Job Description:

Community Outreach Worker (Snap-Ed) University of Illinois Extension




Extension Unit 19, Mattoon




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 own 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.
Develop relationships and provide selected nutrition education materials and resources to community members and organizations in targeted community
Refer SNAP-Ed clients to other local agencies (FCRC, WIC, food pantries, etc.) and other Extension staff based upon additional needs/concerns.
Promote SNAP Ed and Extension opportunities in the identified communities.
Collaborate with team members to plan and monitor unit and SNAP-Ed goals.
Collaborate with team members to identify potential community partners that serve low-income families.
Participate in committees and teams to give feedback that improves the SNAP Ed program
Collect information from program participants for reports
Complete required monthly and quarterly reports
Participate in required trainings and team meetings
Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming as assigned.
Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of Extension work



Additional Physical Demands

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 as well to include, but not limited to, 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. This position may involve working flexible hours that may include weekend and evenings. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental, and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.



Minimum Qualifications



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, Skills and Abilities

• 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 material.
• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, in person and digital. This includes texting, phone calls, emails, and video conferencing, as necessary.
• Strong people skills and teamwork.
• Basic skills in using computer software and apps.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4520 - Community Outreach Worker position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. This is a bargained position and as such, the salary is driven by the collective bargaining agreement. The entry-level salary for this classification is $31,921.50.


For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 5, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact mcclusk2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.


The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.


Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver's License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.


Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1028511
Job Category: Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


Apply Now