Nutrition Education Specialist

Job Title: Nutrition Specialist

Department: Community Health Programs

Supervisor: Nutrition Resource Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Status: Full-time

Qualifications: Associate's degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Public Health or related field and a minimum of 15 credits in nutrition. Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work well with people at all levels, and a strong commitment to teamwork. Advanced computer skills including Word and Excel. ServeSafe training must be completed within the first 60 days of employment. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Must possess a lean and valid NYS driver's license. Previous experience working with local food insecurity issues and its health-related implications preferred.

Physical Requirements: This position works in a typical office setting but may be exposed to extreme temperatures in a warehouse setting. There may be extended periods of sitting, standing and/or bending, listening, talking and/or visual concentration, writing and/or computer use. This position would normally have routine opportunities for the employee to be able to alter their physical position or change eye focus. This position requires travel to agency partners for training. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Position Summary: The Nutrition Specialist is responsible for building and maintaining partnerships with community-based organizations to support the delivery of nutrition workshops, education, and services. This role coordinates program operations, including developing and implementing nutrition programming, and ensuring quality and consistency across partner locations.

The specialist will help develop and deliver engaging nutrition education materials and workshops aligned with program goals. They provide direct instruction through classes and workshops, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to make the most of the foods provided. This role also works collaboratively across departments to incorporate a nutrition lens into programs and initiatives organization-wide.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assists with the implementation of a comprehensive nutrition education program for low-income individuals accessing emergency food programs.
2. Identifies food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens as well as other community programs who will participate in the Nutrition Program.
3. Conducts a minimum of eight nutrition education workshops per month using lesson plan materials provided and/or policy, systems, and environmental change strategy sessions.
4. Conducts a minimum of four HPI sites per year in appropriate food pantries to improve healthy choices for individuals.
5. Writes a low-literacy article for the nutrition newsletter every month.
6. Contributes nutrition materials to organization website, partner network, internal operations, and additional requests as needed.
7. Markets nutrition education sessions to food pantry operators and community partners to highlight nutrition education training opportunities that are available to neighbors.
8. In collaboration with relevant Food Bank staff, works to further the Food Bank's Nutrition initiatives internally and through promotion and training of our network partners.
9. Participates in activities sponsored by the Food Banks, HPNAP, community groups and other partners to nutrition program objectives.
10. Builds and sustains strong relationships with community partners to support program growth and effectiveness.
11. Collaborates across departments to incorporate a nutrition lens into programs and organizational initiatives.
12. Tracks program reach and impact through quarterly data collection, analysis, and reporting.
13. Supports grant-related activities, including deliverables, reporting, and compliance requirements.
14. Contributes to continuous quality improvement by monitoring program performance and identifying opportunities for enhancement.
15. Conducts workplace wellness initiatives quarterly.
16. Utilizes learner-centered and facilitated group discussion teaching techniques to enhance effectiveness of nutrition education sessions.
17. Seeks opportunities for professional development to improve effectiveness in the performance of job duties.
18. Identifies community events that support the Food Bank's mission to expand nutrition initiatives.
19. Participates in other nutrition related duties as "assigned" (ex. curriculum redesign, recipe development, etc.)
20. Maintains a clean and safe workspace.
21. Follows all safety standards and procedures.
22. Works independently, and collaboratively with other departments and employees in support of the mission of the Food Bank.
23. Adheres to the Food Bank's Employee Code of Conduct.
24. Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of an employee performing this job.

Regional Food Bank is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment.  We expect every member of the Food Bank to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyonehas the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.  The Regional Food Bank complies with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws.  Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, or terminating are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees.