Program Assistant II (SNAP-Ed)

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working undergeneral supervision and in a highly collaborative team environment, the program assistant will implement the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) project in accordance with the Ohio SNAP-Education plan and guidance provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Planning and carrying out a mixture of direct nutrition and physical activity educational programming (e.g., teaching standardized classes) and policy, systems, and environmental approaches (e.g. farmers markets, farm to school, healthy food pantries) with local, community-based partners in areas of high food insecurity throughout Cuyahoga County. Their work will target SNAP-eligible individuals of various demographics in a variety of community settings and use United States Department of Agriculture approved, standardized curriculum and evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental approaches to address access to nutritious food and physical activity opportunities. They will support outreach efforts to develop partnerships for SNAP-Ed implementation in Cuyahoga County. Additionally, the program assistant will participate in staff trainings and professional development within the County and throughout the State of Ohio. Reliable transportation is required for frequent travel throughout Cuyahoga County and some travel throughout the State. Familiarity teaching in group settings is essential. Experience teaching adult audiences is preferred but not required. 

The academic research center focuses on the complex interplay between environmental drivers and population health outcomes. Specializing in boundary-spanning and collaborative research, training, and practice focused on achieving health equity through food systems transformation and environmental justice.¿Placing special emphasis on community-engaged approaches that disrupt the role of structural racism to create and sustain environmental health equity. The center seeks to translate these findings into policies, practices, and relationships that promote community and population health equity. The program assistant must uphold the values of the center including a commitment to racial justice, collaboration, community engagement, inclusivity, and innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Carry out SNAP-Ed programming according to general plans. In collaboration with SNAP-Ed manager and staff, prepare, coordinate, and execute direct nutrition education classes in diverse community settings and support Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) approaches focused on nutrition and physical activity as part of the larger Ohio SNAP-Ed plan as approved by USDA. (60%)
2. Organize and analyze data in order to contribute to the SNAP-Ed program in Cuyahoga County. Collect data and provide programming recommendations for improvements to procedures. Collect and report pre- and post-class knowledge data from participants within the direct-education classes and as appropriate from policy, systems, and environmental interventions using standardized metrics and tools into the national reporting system. Assist with the development of reports for tracking progress. (15%)
3. Maintain scheduling of direct education programming offered by the Case Western Reserve University SNAP-Ed team. Collaborate and build relationships with community-based and community-serving organizations to better target and serve SNAP-eligible populations through the SNAP-Ed program within Cuyahoga County. (10%)
4. Attend professional development and training opportunities throughout the State in accordance with the Ohio SNAP-Ed plan. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

1. Manage inventory of supplies needed to conduct direct-education classes. Submit orders to replenish supplies as requested. (5%)
2. Attend Swetland Center staff meetings. (<1%)
3. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss, coordinate, and schedule activities.

University: Infrequent contact with other departments to share information.

External: Frequent contact with programming sites and Ohio State University Extension workers to collaboratively implement the program to achieve the greatest reach.

Students: Limited or no contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and experience: Bachelor's degree in public health, community health, nutrition, education, or related field and 6 months of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved public health, community health, nutrition, education, or related field and 1 of experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge and/or experience teaching in group settings to diverse populations, age groups, and learning styles.
2. Ability to teach from a standardized curriculum.
3. Prior data entry experience or comfort doing so. Training will be provided on data entry into the program¿s system.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, fluency with Spanish language is a plus.
5. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
6. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and program participants face to face; possess strong interpersonal skills having had a proven track record of success in a public facing position.   
7. Ability to work with a high degree of independence and to adapt to the needs of the SNAP-Ed program.
8. Ability to carry and transport teaching supplies and materials (e.g., cooking tools) to training sites. 
9. Have a current State Motor Vehicle Operator¿s License and personal, reliable transportation to travel to sites across Ohio, documented mileage will be reimbursed.
10. Ability to work well in a team. Willingness to help a team member in need. Commitment to ensuring the team succeeds with all tasks, duties, and projects and making sure team members are informed on any developments related to projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Community based settings (e.g., schools, food pantries, farmers markets, senior centers) up to 70% of the time (approximately 28 hours per week) and 10% time per week (approximately 4 hours per week) in office with the balance of time available for hybrid work/work from home. The employee will need to lift and transport teaching supplies from the office location to the site and back multiple times per week. This position will include a large amount of traveling across Cuyahoga County. The position requires access to reliable transportation for travel within Cuyahoga County and throughout Ohio. Mileage for travel costs will be reimbursed. The employee must be able to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends. This position is eligible for hybrid work.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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