Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Health and Community Wellness

Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, 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 https://extension.illinois.edu/global/who-we-are.

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 Associate, Health and Community Wellness, serves as a full-time academic professional with primary responsibilities to plan, facilitate, develop, and implement educational programs supporting the mission of University of Illinois Extension.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, community health, family and consumer sciences, or a related field. Candidates with a master's degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Experience organizing and facilitating community groups.
• Experience working with varied populations in a community setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid driver's license.

SPECIFIC JOB INFORMATION:

9 full-time positions are available.

Location: Hybrid work options are available, but onsite work is required in the counties listed below for each position.

• Stephenson, Winnebago, Ogle, Dekalb, Bureau, LaSalle, and Whiteside
• Logan, Sangamon, Christian, Macoupin, Montgomery, and Jersey
• McLean, Macon, and Piatt
• Madison and St. Clair
• Bond, Fayette, Marion, and Jefferson
• Jackson, Williamson, Franklin, Randolph, Union, Johnson, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac
• Adams, Cass, and Morgan
• Coles and Crawford
• Will and Kankakee

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

• Support community members through food navigation across major food benefit programs, conduct eligibility screenings, and provide 1 on 1 application assistance for programs like SNAP.
• Train new food navigators to carry out outreach, screenings, and referrals to community food programs.
• Facilitate peer learning cohorts where food navigators share best practices and build skills together.
• Build coalitions with local SNAP offices and community partners to align outreach and referrals.
• Present on food program policy changes to community members and community partners.
• Translate food program policy changes into practical guidance and updated training materials.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and within a team environment. Ability to use technology for reporting, communication, and educational assistance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning, Delivery, and Evaluation

• Deliver educational programs, trainings, and resources that support program deliverables. Facilitate communications, meetings, and outreach strategies that organize and assist groups and communities to address food access and health.
• Use multiple communication, outreach, and engagement approaches to connect with individuals, groups, and communities to share resources and educational information on food-safety net programs.
• Provide resources and assistance for food benefit program applications.
• Participate in and facilitate technical assistance networks.
• Lead trainings and organize continuing education for community-based professionals.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure successful execution of deliverables.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion.
• Evaluate and document changes in clientele practices.

Research and Evaluation

• Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter areas.
• Contribute to background research to support the development of educational materials.
• Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative materials and make changes to existing offerings in order to improve quality.
• Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.

Organizational Requirements

• Assist unit staff with gathering 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.

Administrative Relationship

The Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Health and Community Wellness is administratively and programmatically responsible to the Visiting Program Administrator, Health and Community Wellness.

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 $60,000 to $80,000. 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.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

• Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on September 29, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting.
• Please upload a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references.
• Resume dates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time.
• Transcripts may be requested at a later date. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Amanda Taylor at ataylo@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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

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.

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.

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 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1038103

Job Category: Off-Campus

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu