Program Associate – Nourish ME Nutrition Educator (HCCA)

Bachelor’s degree in health-related field is required; however, equivalent related work experience may be considered. Experience working in a non-profit setting and with grant-funded projects is a plus.

Additional desired skills include:

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  Ability to work collaboratively with diverse project partners, consumers, community partners, and providers of health and behavioral health care

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  Comfort and ability to present to and facilitate diverse audiences, including youth and older adults

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  Ability to work independently

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  Ability to meet deadlines

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  Ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing

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  Knowledge and skill in the management of data-driven projects

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  Ability to monitor and provide oversight of external local partners' progress towards deliverables

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  Ability to plan, coordinate, implement, and manage multiple activities at once

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  Flexibility to adapt to changing program needs

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  Ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize a variety of information from many sources

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  Experience developing error-free, audience-specific communication materials and messages including flyers, brochures, booklets, social media, etc.

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  Understanding of coalition-building strategies

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  Knowledge of evidence-based nutrition education and policy, systems, and environmental change strategies is a plus

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  Experience using Microsoft Office suite and Google Workspace

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  Valid Maine driver’s license and reliable transportation

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  Must be eligible to work in the United States

• Preference given to Registered Dietitians, Public Health, and Nutrition professionals.

• Experience delivering evidence-based nutrition education programs across the lifespan.

• Experience with community centered public health interventions such as Food is Medicine.

• Experience in developing policy, system, and environmental change strategies as public health interventions.

The Program Associate – Nourish ME Nutrition Educator will:

• Deliver evidence-based nutrition education curricula aligned with the RHTP Nourish ME goals related to chronic disease prevention and management.

• Implement evidence-based Food Is Medicine public health approaches (e.g. medically tailored groceries, food pharmacies/pantries, F&V Rx, farmers’ market vouchers, gleaning, clinical referrals, and school-based health strategies) aligned with RHTP Nourish ME goals related to chronic disease prevention and management.

• Engage with new and existing partnerships with community and clinical sites for implementation of sustainable FIM strategies.

• Engage in outreach efforts to increase awareness of and participation in RHTP nutrition education services.

• Coordinate with healthcare organization partners (e.g. hospitals, primary care practices, school-based health centers, and FQHCs) to support referral and enrollment into nutrition education programs.

• Ensure program delivery maintains fidelity to evidence-based models while adapting appropriately to local community needs.

• Support the development of sustainable nutrition education infrastructure across community and healthcare settings.

• Participate in training, meetings, and appropriate professional development opportunities both in-person and online.

• Ensure program implementation follows guidance as set by UNE.

• Complete reporting and evaluation processes as set by CMS, Maine DHHS, and UNE.

• Utilize written and electronic media for a variety of community awareness strategies, including promoting mass media campaigns issued by the state.

• Provide technical assistance to community partners to develop model chronic disease prevention policies that support healthy environments, and that align with state laws.

• Provide presentations and training (in person and virtually) to relevant partners and interest holders on evidence-based best practice strategies for chronic disease prevention.

• Serve as a spokesperson for nutrition education and chronic disease prevention, and HCCA.

• Work closely with HCCA Nourish ME Senior Program Associate and Finance Manager to assure project activity meets budgetary expectations.

• Promote positive relationships between and among HCCA and all potential collaborating partners by meeting with various interest holders (schools, youth-serving organizations, healthcare facilities, age-friendly community groups, workplaces, behavioral health facilities, etc.) and offering support to develop comprehensive chronic disease prevention policies, and finding opportunities to network and establish new relationships with potential partners to expand or enhance HCCA’s Nourish ME program.

• Be a member of HCCA’s team of public health professionals working collaboratively to implement primary prevention programming and supporting the organization’s broad public health goals.