EFNEP Educator, Program Assistant /Associate (Youth and Adult)

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Check out this video on what it’s like to be an EFNEP Educator with NC State Extension.

Adult Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) involves the enrollment of limited resource individuals and their children who qualify for federal food assistance programs.

Under the programmatic guidance of the Extension Associate, the EFNEP PA works with clients in small group settings and individually (as needed).

This position is a full-time, 40 hours per week position. This position will serve 75% 4-H Youth and 25% Adult Programming.

Youth Programing will take place at school settings and at informal educational settings with 4-H and community partner organizations. Although youth participants may range from 5 to 18 years old, they are typically 2nd to 6th grade students.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and North Carolina A & T State University. Through educational programs, publications and events, Cooperative Extension delivers unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

For nearly 50 years, EFNEP has been helping limited resource youth and families with children learn to eat healthier meals and snacks, make better use of food dollars and reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. In collaboration with many organizations through the “Eat Smart, Move More” initiative, NC EFNEP aims to help reduce the rising tide of obesity by teaching youth and families practical skills resulting in changed behaviors to eat smart, move more and achieve a healthy weight.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

The Extension EFNEP Program Assistant is an employee of NC Cooperative Extension, NC State University. Under the supervision of the County Extension Director (CED) with guided assistance from the Regional Nutrition Extension Associate (RNEA), the EFNEP PA delivers nutrition and related subject matter to enrolled participants. The individual in this position will recruit and enroll adults and school-aged youth participants into the program, make regular teaching visits to enrollees either in the home or in group settings, teach basic principles of nutrition and food preparation skills, submit required program records as requested, market the program within the assigned area, recruit volunteers from within the community involving them in leadership roles, collaborate with local Cooperative Extension staff and agencies, and assist with securing program resources. The EFNEP PA receives programmatic guidance from the District EFNEP Regional Nutrition Extension Associate (RNEA) with overall supervision provided by the County Extension Director (CED). The EFNEP PA and the RNEA work with the Family and Consumer Science Agent, 4-H Agent and/or CED to meet the needs of the county. Renewal of the position is contingent on the availability of funds.

Under the programmatic guidance of the RNEA, the EFNEP PA conducts nutrition education to limited resource adults and youth in group settings. While performing this role the EFNEP PA:

• Travels within county, district, and state using a personal vehicle. Personal vehicle is required.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive understanding of the role of NCCE as an educational agency.
• Recruits limited resource school-aged youth and families with young children who meet the federal eligibility guidelines for participation in EFNEP.
• Instructs eligible youth and families in nutrition education using approved curricula and teaching methods.
• Conduct food demonstrations to adult and youth groups.
• Facilitates the collection of required data and submits reports to RNEA, EFNEP State office and CED.
• Maintains confidentiality of program information.
• Coordinates with collaborating agencies to extend program outreach to eligible families.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with agencies and organizations serving EFNEP audiences.
• Participates in lifelong learning and professional development by participating in trainings and other opportunities as designated by the RNEA, County Extension Director, District Extension Director and/or State EFNEP office. A few may require overnight travel.
• Attends and participates in required EFNEP meetings and trainings within the county and outside of the county, a few may be overnight travel.
• Enhances program visibility by communicating program impacts to local stakeholders and potential participants.
• Promotes educational opportunities beyond EFNEP within Cooperative Extension and partnering agencies to program participants.
• Recruits, trains and utilizes volunteers to assist in program marketing, data collection and program delivery.
• Meets established programmatic standards for performance and impact.
• Other duties as assigned. Travel within the county, district and state are required.

Minimum Experience/Education:

The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent.

Department Required Skills:

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating concepts

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

Knowledge of the community and social service programs for limited resource families; experience teaching and/or working with limited resource adults; youths and/or nutrition education experience preferred;