Title: Program Specialist 2
Working Title: SNAP-Ed Program Assistant
Appointment Status: 16 hours per week
Effective Dates: Starting date: Feb. 1, 2025
Non-permanent, non-scheduled
Location: WSU Pierce County Extension, 3602 Pacific Ave. Suite 200, Tacoma, WA 98418
Description:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) supports low-income communities in healthy eating and active living through education, policy, system, and environmental changes that make health more accessible to all. The SNAP-Ed Program Assistant is primarily responsible for preparing and facilitating nutrition education activities with (youth and adults) in (district and community settings which may include schools, parks and recreation areas, community gardens, food banks, affordable housing and congregate meal sites. In addition to coordinating, preparing for, and conducting nutrition education activities the assistant is also expected to attend regular staff meetings (virtual or in person), complete records, and assist with purchasing, organizing, and transporting program supplies.
Reports to: SNAP-Ed Program Manager
Duties and Responsibilities - may include any or all the following:
Prepares and teaches nutrition education activities, provides nutrition information and technical assistance to program participants and community partners in accordance with approved SNAP-Ed plan and guidance.
Prepares and adapts training and promotional materials for use in classrooms, school gardens, congregate meal sites, adult affordable housing sites, partner meetings and community policy, systems and environment change projects.
Implements policy, systems and environment change projects in collaboration with community partners and SNAP-Ed participants.
Purchases, tracks and inventories equipment and supplies.
Monitors program activities by administering evaluation surveys, tracking program progress, and maintaining records/results for analysis.
Attends meetings and represents WSU Extension and SNAP-Ed program with community partners; recruits and maintains program partners and participants.
Instructs and makes public presentations to individuals and groups on basic nutrition and any specialized topics such as food purchasing, budgeting, gardening, gleaning, retail support, behavioral economics, etc.
Maintains records of work activities and prepares reports.
Attends and participates in periodic in-service training programs covering WSU Extension and SNAP-Ed subject matter, confidence building techniques, practices for establishing rapport, and general orientation in WSU Extension policies and procedures.
Performs other work as required.
Required Qualifications:
Interest or previous work experience in education, gardening, nutrition, cooking, health promotion, food access, or food justice.
Ability to practice positive work ethics (honesty, integrity, perseverance, dependability, teamwork, being prepared, being anti-racist, managing bias)
Valid driver’s license and vehicle with auto insurance (see “Transportation” below).
Reliable telephone number.
Demonstrated ability to work with economically and culturally diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member as required.
Demonstrated ability to manage time and tasks effectively.
Basic computer skills (Word, Outlook, Zoom, etc.).
Employees must complete a Washington State Patrol background check and possess a current Food Handler’s Permit (may be obtained after hiring, but prior to onsite program delivery).
Desired Qualifications:
Experience living in or working with diverse communities using a strengths-based approach, showing sensitivity to those who experience poverty, racism, marginalization, and trauma.
Strong commitment to social and environmental justice and working towards improving food and social systems.
Ability to organize and manage time independently.
Other specialized topic skills (such as: Conversant in Spanish, Vietnamese, or Slavic languages such as Ukrainian or Russian)
Wages and Hours:
Work hours occur primarily during (2 days of the work week from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm). Scheduling is flexible, up to 16 hours per week on average.
Wages: $20.94 – 23.52/hour, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
This position accrues annual leave and personal holiday hours in addition to sick leave based on hours worked.
Transportation:
Employee is required to transport themselves and their program supplies to program sites, average 15 - 24 miles per day. Mileage to program sites is reimbursed (transportation from the employee’s home to the office is not reimbursed).
For additional information:
Washington SNAP-Ed Providers website
Washington SNAP-Ed Live Well website
https://extension.wsu.edu/pierce/nutrition
Screening Begin Date: Jan. 6, 2025. Open until filled.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check.