State Extension Specialist In Human Nutrition And Health

Purpose:

The Extension State Specialist in Human Nutrition and Health holds a pivotal role within Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE), spearheading initiatives to promote nutrition education and improve health outcomes among underserved populations in Missouri. This position involves supervising Nutrition Program Assistants and educators while incorporating effective methodologies of extension. The Specialist collaborates with diverse stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate programs that address the nutritional needs of individuals and families, particularly those with limited resources. Additionally, the Specialist interacts with other LUCE Core Programs and the Commercial Kitchen Program to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance program effectiveness. This is an Assistant Professor, 12-month, non-tenure track, full benefit-eligible position, with 100% extension responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead the development and implementation of research-based nutrition education programs targeting eligible clients, including limited-resource youth, families, pregnant women, and grandparents raising grandchildren.

• Supervise and train Nutrition Program Assistants and Educators, proving guidance on program delivery, data collection, and reporting to ensure adherence to program standards and positive impacts.

• Collaborate with agencies and community partners to extend program outreach and maximize program reach and effectiveness.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in nutrition education, social services, and community development to inform program design and implementation.

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including community organizations, health agencies, educational institutions, and governmental entities, to leverage resources and maximize program impact.

• Comply with all federal, state, and university reporting requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned by Extension Administrator and the Dean.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in human nutrition, Public Health, Health Education, or a related field is required; Ph.D. is preferred.

• Minimum of four years of experience working in nutrition education or community health is required. Experience with limited-resource population preferred.

Technical and Communication Skills:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Effective and innovative teaching strategies that engage diverse target audiences.

• Proficient in using computer systems, office productivity software, and extension-specific tools for data collection and analysis.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Certified in Public Health (CPH) certifications are preferred.

• A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required.

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification is preferred.

Physical Demands:

• The position involves frequent travel and occasional evening or weekend work.

• Lifting or carrying objects up to 20 lbs.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.