Program Assistant (SNAP-Ed)

Working under general supervision and in a highly collaborative team environment, the Program Assistant will provide administrative leadership to CWRU's SNAP-Education (SNAP-Ed) implementation project in accordance with the Ohio SNAP-Ed Plan and guidance provided by the U.S. 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 (PSE) 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 USDA approved, standardized curriculum and evidence-based PSE approaches to improve access to nutritious food and physical activity opportunities. They will provide strategic leadership to outreach efforts to build relationships and partnerships to support and expand SNAP-Ed implementation in Cuyahoga County. They will also support management of resources and scheduling of SNAP-Ed program staff. 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 presenting in group settings is essential. Experience presenting to adult audiences is preferred but not required.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

1. Coordinate and provide nutrition presentations in diverse community settings and support PSE approaches focused on nutrition and physical activity as part of the larger Ohio SNAP-Ed plan as approved by USDA. (60%)
2. Collect and report pre- and post-knowledge data from participants within direct-educational presentations and as appropriate from PSE interventions using standardized metrics and tools into national reporting system. (15%)
3. Consult with SNAP-Ed Manager and organizational partners on SNAP-Ed implementation. Assist in developing relationships with community-based and community-serving organizations to better target and serve SNAP-eligible populations through the SNAP-Ed program within Cuyahoga County. (5%)
4. Prepare and monitor own supplies and needs for programming based on budget. Oversee and replenish inventory of supplies needed to conduct direct-educational classes and develop approach to support scheduling of direct education programming offered by the CWRU SNAP-Ed team.  (10%)
5. Attend professional development and training opportunities throughout the State in accordance with the Ohio SNAP-Ed plan. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Attend Swetland Center staff meetings. (<1%)
2. 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 The Ohio State University Extension workers to collaboratively implement the program to achieve the greatest reach.

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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

Education/Licensing: High school education required. Valid driver's license.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, fluency with Spanish language is a plus.
2. Has experience teaching in group settings to diverse populations, age groups, and learning styles.
3. Ability to teach from a standardized curriculum.
4. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
5. Prior data entry experience or comfort doing so. Training will be provided on data entry into the program's system.
6. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
7. Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
8. Have current State Motor Vehicle Operator's License and personal, access to reliable transportation to travel to sites across Ohio, documented mileage will be reimbursed.
9. 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.
10. Ability to work with a high degree of independence and to adapt to the needs of the SNAP-Ed program.
11. Ability to carry and transport teaching supplies and materials (e.g., cooking tools) to training sites. 
12. 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 60 percent of the time (approximately 24 hours per week) and 10 percent 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.  

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.

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.