Profile of Nutrition Educator Duties and Tasks

A. Function as part of a team

• Know mission of UW-Extension and WNEP
• Communicate regularly with Coordinator
• Contribute to program planning and evaluation
• Communicate with Family Living Agent as determined
• Communicate with District Director, State WNEP Coordinator as needed
• Give and receive co-worker support
• Participate in committees within time constraints of own position
• Help train others within time constraints of own position

B. Build rapport with agencies

• Work with Coordinator to identify community agencies with mutual interests
• Meet with staff from agencies to get acquainted and to promote potential educational opportunities
• Network with agencies: joint education efforts, advisory groups, other appropriate committees
• Maintain visibility in community: use identifiable materials, wear name tag, health fairs, newsletters, news releases
• Present an appropriate image and attitude
• Explain UW-Extension mission and WNEP role in that mission

C. Build rapport with participants

• Establish contact with participant
• Show genuine interest in participant: be a good listener, demonstrate a caring attitude, welcome questions, be on time, respect diversity
• Share and learn from each other-self disclosure as appropriate
• Know where personal/professional boundaries are
• Maintain confidentiality

D. Plan teaching events for participants at walkbys, in groups, at home visits

• Respect participant diversity
• Assess the needs and abilities of the participant(s)
• Schedule time for lesson preparation and teaching
• Prepare a lesson plan -- set objectives appropriate to participant(s), select teaching methods and materials, be aware of current issues in the community and media, arrange for child care (groups), plan options for changing situations
• Utilize techniques to empower participants to continue desired practice/behavior

E. Teach subject content at walk-bys for youth and adults

• Respect participant diversity
• Respect needs and priorities of host site
• Place display in strategic location at peak traffic time
• Get participant's attention
• Share information using displays, fact sheets, videos, food samples, games, questions
• Engage participant in conversation about subject content
• Provide follow-up: additional information, other opportunities
• Tabulate information for required reports

F. Teach subject content in groups of youth and adults

• Respect participant diversity
• Utilize team teaching method and volunteers when appropriate
• Use basic group dynamic skills
• Establish boundaries, stay on track
• Give an overview of the lesson
• Share information using videos, activities, food preparation, games, discussion, handouts, quizzes, etc.
• Help participants set a goal
• Give positive reinforcement-incentives, verbal encouragement
• Adapt teaching to changing situations
• Bring closure to session
• Tabulate information for required reports

G. Teach subject content at home visits with adults

• Respect participant diversity
• Review content and expectations
• Complete required forms
• Assess participant needs and interests (on-going)
• Share information using videos, activities, discussion, food preparation
• Share information about other programs and community resources
• Manage teaching with children and/or significant other present -- handle distractions
• Help participant set realistic goal -- give positive reinforcement
• Use good judgment in time spent teaching -- know when to leave
• Bring closure and set next appointment
• Tabulate information for required reports

H. Evaluate the teaching event

• Use range of evaluation tools such as surveys, interviews, letters, as determined by your unit team
• Evaluate what was taught
• Evaluate how it was taught
• Determine the impact
• Interpret evaluation results to strengthen teaching process

I. Manage time and paperwork

• Use office procedures
• File and keep records
• Prepare accurate and timely reports
• Maintain reasonable amount of flexibility with own schedule

J. Take care of oneself

• Assess a potentially unsafe location or situation
• Have a plan for getting out of potentially unsafe situations
• Know what to do in an emergency -- 911 or other emergency procedures, report to your advisor
• Practice preventive measures for personal health and safety -- lifting, carrying, infection control, stress management

K. Continue to learn skills and subject content

• Keep current on relevant issues -- read newsletters, talk with colleagues
• Use range of educational opportunities to update and renew skills (communication, organizational, teaching, computer) and knowledge of subject content