Employer: University of Illinois – Urbana
Hiring Department: University of Illinois Extension
Job Title: Community Outreach Worker
Additional Information: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/7962?c=illinois
WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Job Summary
The Community Worker will teach classes and provide information to local community members (adults and youth) in basic nutrition, physical activity, and buying food for individuals and families in need. The goal is to help EFNEP eligible families make positive changes for their health. This is a full-time, hourly civil service position, 37.5 hours per week, 7.5-hour days which supports the goals of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at University of Illinois Extension.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Program Delivery
• Spend significant time in the community teaching programs for youth and adults using curriculum and materials for EFNEP. 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 approved nutrition education materials and resources to community members and organizations in targeted community
• Promote EFNEP and Extension opportunities in the identified communities. - Collaboration
• Collaborate with team members to plan and monitor unit and EFNEP goals.
• Refer EFNEP clients to other local agencies (Family Community Resource Centers, WIC, food pantries, etc.) and other Extension staff based upon additional needs/concerns.
• Collaborate with team members to find potential community partners that serve low-income families.
• Participate in committees and teams to give feedback that improves the EFNEP program - Reporting
• Collect information from program participants for reports
• Complete required monthly and quarterly reports
- Other
• Participate in local, regional and statewide professional development opportunities and staff meetings
• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.
• 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; assist Unit staff with data collection for Affirmative Action, Gender, and Targeted reports.
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, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. 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
Must be able to 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 work flexible hours that may include weekend and evenings
- Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, in person and digital. This includes texting, phone calls, emails, and video conferencing, as necessary.
- Evidence of strong people skills and teamwork.
- Basic skills in using computer software and apps.
