Outreach Assistant

Visiting Extension Outreach Assistant, Health and Community Wellness University of Illinois Extension Who We Are As part of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of Illinois Extension, visit Our Commitment to Employees We will invest in our employees, our most important resource, by providing professional development and training that enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role. Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, and an environment that challenges and rewards our employees. Job Purpose The Visiting Extension Outreach Assistant, Health and Community Wellness, serves as a full-time 12-month academic professional and has the primary responsibility for planning, developing, and delivering educational programs supporting the mission of University of Illinois Extension. Minimum Qualifications ​Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, community health, human services, social work, family and consumer sciences, or a related field. Candidates with a degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date. Experience collaborating with community partners. Preferred Qualifications Experience with University of Illinois Extension. Experience in working with underserved communities. Experience assisting with public benefit programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, or other food safety-net programs). Experience delivering educational programs, workshops, or group facilitation. Experience using mobile devices for data reporting, communication, and educational assistance. Valid driver’s license. Specific Job Information 11 full-time positions are available. Location Hybrid work options are available, but onsite work is required in the counties listed below for each position. Will and Kankakee Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Stark, and Knox Peoria, Fulton, Tazewell, and Mason Ford, Iroquois, Champaign, and Vermillion Logan, Sangamon, Christian, Macoupin, and Montgomery (2 positions) Madison and St. Clair Bond, Fayette, Marion and Jefferson Jackson, Williamson and Franklin Union, Johnson, Alexander, Pulaski and Massac Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, Hamilton and White This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted. Examples of the Work Map local food access gaps and identify community partners, including food pantries, schools, and health clinics, to target outreach for the Find Food IL Navigator program. Build relationships with community organizations serving households at risk of food insecurity to expand referral networks. Conduct screenings with individuals and families to identify likely eligibility for food benefit programs such as SNAP and connect them with referral and application assistance. Connect households to local food resources based on their specific circumstances and needs. Deliver presentations to community partners and at outreach events to raise awareness of available food benefit programs. Work as part of a team to develop community-specific educational resource materials to support program outreach and delivery. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Effective communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to use various methods (phone, email, and text) to communicate with participants. Ability to interact and engage with individuals from different backgrounds. Ability to work independently and within a team environment. Basic ability to collect, document, and report program data. Job Responsibilities Program Planning, Development, and Delivery Plan and develop an outreach and education strategy by identifying geographic areas and community partners who serve households at risk of food insecurity. Develop educational resource materials to support program outreach and delivery. Deliver resources, educational materials, and assistance for food benefit program applicants to address immediate household food access needs. This may include screening, educating on applications, and providing assistance based on household needs. Develop community-specific educational resource materials based on information from community technical assistance network meetings. Deliver educational sessions and presentations to partner organizations to market the program. Evaluation Collect information from potential applicants for reporting. Use technology to maintain files to document progress and referrals. Evaluate and document changes based on the education and assistance provided. Enhance competency in subject matter areas by seeking professional development opportunities. Use evaluation findings to develop and modify program resource materials and improve educational delivery strategies to improve program quality. Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers. Organizational Requirements Gather program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements. Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans-of-work, activity and impact reporting, etc.). Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned. Local, regional, statewide, and (limited) interstate travel required. Physical Demands/Working Conditions When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. Work Schedule, Travel, Or Other Job Expectations To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. Appointment Information These positions are not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. These are temporary, full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenured academic professional positions. These positions may become non-visiting at a later time dependent upon funding and/or programmatic needs. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The previously determined salary range for these positions was $48,000 to $68,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving these elements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the top of the full range for this position. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive. Champaign-Urbana The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at View phone number on click.appcast.io, option #1, or View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr