Extension Agent, EFNEP-Nutrition

About This Role:

Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas.

The Shawnee County Extension office is located in Topeka and serves the communities of Auburn, Berryton, Dover, Rossville, Silver Lake, Topeka and all rural areas in the county.

This position will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based nutrition educational programming to support successful families and the systems that serve them. Programming may include but is not limited to: food preparation, nutrition, food safety, food resource management, household food security, and physical activity promotion. Major efforts will target limited-resource families and individuals.

Primary Area of Responsibility:
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

Location:
Office located in Topeka, KS.

Position Description

Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based nutrition educational programming to support successful families and the systems that serve them. Programming may include but is not limited to: food preparation, nutrition, food safety, food resource management, household food security, and physical activity promotion. Major efforts will target limited-resource families and individuals.
• Provide primary supervision for the county’s two Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) nutrition educators and three EFNEP nutrition assistants, as well as any future Extension Nutrition staff employed in the county.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play. Programming will strengthen social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
• a) Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (water & natural resources, community vitality, health, developing tomorrow’s leaders and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
• b) Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
• c) Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programming needs.
• d) Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
• e) Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
• f) Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of the Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Shawnee County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.
• Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
• Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences; an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds; and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree.
• Registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist, Master of Public Health, or related certification.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Other Qualifications

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid jury duty
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Medical specialties:

• Public Health

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Topeka, KS 66604: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person