Job Description

The Department of Health Systems and Population Health has an outstanding opportunity for a Community Outreach Specialist (Temporary) [Program Assistant (NE H NI SEIU 925 Non Supv)] to join their team. 

Housed in the UW School of Public Health, the Department of Health Systems and Population Health (HSPop) is a dynamic academic and research department with the mission of working with partners in public health and health care to prepare leaders, design solutions, and conduct innovative research that is translated into practice and policy. The Department is steadfast in its efforts to improve and promote the health of all populations, and staff contribute daily and directly to the work of faculty, students, researchers and other staff, providing support and expertise to the Department's common cause.

The Health Equity Action Research Team (HEART) in HSPop's Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) has received funding from the National Institutes for Health to augment, adapt, and evaluate a food program called Nuestro Valor from 2023-2028. HEART is partnering with Northwest Communities Education Center/Radio KDNA to conduct this work. The Nuestro Valor program provides tiendas with a stipend to make store improvements to sell more fruits and vegetables, trainings for employees to sell more fruits and vegetables, and a multi-month marketing campaign to encourage customers to buy and eat more fruits and vegetables. This is a bilingual Spanish/English program.

The primary role of the Nuestro Valor Community Specialist will be to deliver Nuestro Valor in tiendas across Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties. Community Specialists will work closely with the tienda managers, staff, customers, Radio KDNA, and HEART. No previous nutrition experience is required. This research study plans to hire community specialists in Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties to set up Nuestro Valor in tiendas across the counties. This position would report to the community research manager and the principal investigator, with weekly to biweekly check-ins to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and prioritize study needs.

Successful candidates will:

• Be a leader in the community 

• Share values and experiences of the community being served  

• Show a commitment to serving the community 

• Have strong communication and listening skills, including meeting one-on-one with individuals and practicing public speaking skills

• Be able to strengthen abilities and learn new skills 

• Be a flexible problem-solver with willingness to adapt to new and different situations

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team responsibilities (20%)

• Attend in-depth in-person or virtual training sessions with Nuestro Valor team to prepare for delivering Nuestro Valor

• Attend weekly meetings with the research team and communicate through email, text, calls, and virtual meetings

• Submit program records on a routine basis to debrief with the team

Program responsibilities

• Foster strong relationships with tienda (small businesses) managers, staff, and customers through engagement, communication, and regular visits across Yakima, Benton and Franklin Counties

• Collaborate with tienda managers to explore and implement ways to increase fruit and vegetable variety and availability through structural and social changes at the tienda using the proposed study stipend

• Connect tiendas with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, or Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program to explore eligibility and support enrollment

• Help to set up marketing materials and lead recipe demonstrations at tiendas

Other responsibilities as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High school graduation or equivalent and 2 years of clerical experience.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have reliable transportation, a valid WA State Driver's License, and auto insurance

• Bilingual in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish/English

• Ability to travel across Benton, Franklin, and Yakima counties

• General familiarity shopping in tiendas

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience as a community outreach specialist or community health worker preferred

• Previous marketing or business experience a plus!

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.