Program Associate II

The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) is an integral component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The experiment station provides a diverse range of research, extension, and education programs that serve the people of New Jersey and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live. Through its Cooperative Extension offices in all 21 New Jersey counties, dedicated 4-H agents, Extension specialists, Family & Community Health Sciences educators, and Agriculture and Natural Resources agents work to serve New Jersey residents in every area of the state.

As the health and wellness component of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the Department of Family & Community Health Sciences (FCHS) promotes healthy lifestyles and environments for NJ residents and communities with outreach in food, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. Recognized nationally for its work, FCHS connects Rutgers University and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station to communities beyond the campus to build healthy families, schools, and communities. Based locally, in each county, FCHS supports efforts to meet the health and wellness challenges facing communities throughout the state through engaged civic learning, volunteerism, service, community-based research, education, and integrated efforts and partnerships.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) is a federally funded grant program that supports evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions and projects for persons eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through complementary direct education, multi-level interventions, and community and public health approaches to improve nutrition and physical activity. FCHS administers the SNAP-Ed program for New Jersey Region 2 (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer Counties).

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Program Associate II for the Department of Family & Community Health Sciences. Reporting to the Gloucester County Senior Program Coordinator Supervisor, this position develops a close understanding of the communities served to act as a liaison and educator between SNAP-eligible residents and SNAP-Ed.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:
• Liaises with other Food and Nutrition Service agencies, local health and social services organizations, the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and WIC, and also with schools, faith-based organizations, and other local agencies in Gloucester County.
• Provides some support to SNAP-Ed outreach in Burlington, Camden, and Mercer Counties.
• Facilitates access to and assist in implementation of, food and nutrition interventions
• Assists SNAP-Ed in improving the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.
• Ensures there is coordination of nutrition-focused efforts between SNAP-Ed and other Food and Nutrition Service agencies, FQHCs and other key State and local organizations.
• Advocates for individuals and communities.

Information about the benefits provided to Rutgers employees can be found at: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, public health, or related health sciences subject area from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience in the fields of public health, nutrition, or wellness outreach.

• Bilingual English/Spanish, with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish, both in writing and public speaking
• Reside in or in close proximity to community/communities served
• Knowledge of Gloucester County community resources
• Ability to work with limited-resource, culturally diverse audiences
• Experience working with the public and evidence of effective public relations skills
• Ability to build and maintain a current county resource inventory
• Ability to identify and initiate new contacts, and work relatively independently in the field, with community partners
• Experience with public speaking, teaching and written business-level communication
• Excellent computer skills (Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Internet)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Accurate, excellent budgeting and financial management skills
• Seasoned negotiation philosophies and problem-solving skills
• Ability and willingness to work in a consistently high-energy, high-pressure atmosphere
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities
• Ability to quickly assess situations, think broadly and logically, make appropriate decisions
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Ability to work well with a variety of people and in a team fashion
• Ability to use pertinent technology
• Use of personal vehicle in order to travel for business demands; a valid driver’s license would be required for this position.

• Two (2) years community nutrition experience
• Experience working with limited-resource populations preferred.

• Highly proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).
• Social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram
• Virtual meeting platforms: Zoom, WebEx

• Ability to carry program materials and supplies, including audio-visual equipment; ability to arrange set-up of class space (move tables and chairs).

• Successfully complete the following trainings: National Nutrition Certification Program, Rutgers Youth Protection of Minors and Harassment trainings; ServSafe training; Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Training); and other trainings, as required.
• Clean Driving Record

Clarksboro, NJ 08020