Farm to Preschool Bilingual Educator

The Fund for Public Health in New York City (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.  To this end, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by DOHMH to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Healthy Eating Unit within the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention is seeking a temporary Bilingual Educator’s to assist in conducting cooking demonstrations for adults at childcare centers that serve families living with low-incomes across New York City as part of the Farm to Preschool (F2P) initiative. F2P, a program funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) via a contract with New York State Health Department, engages with families, children, and staff at childcare centers to influence healthy eating habits and food environments at the center, in the home, and in the community. This is achieved by supporting centers with gardening activities, nutrition education, and making local foods more affordable and accessible.

This position will be housed within the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention (BCDP) which strives to reduce the burden of chronic disease, including heart disease, obesity, and cancer, among New Yorkers. We work to address the impact of structural racism and other injustices that are a root cause of the inequitable prevalence, treatment and outcomes of chronic diseases in communities of color and among other marginalized communities. BCDP focuses on nutrition, tobacco use, the built environment, screening for cancer, and reducing the incidence and impact of hypertension. BCDP works with partners in government and the community to employ evidence-based policies, programs, communications and research aimed at shifting environments, changing systems and promoting health equity. The Bureau sits within the Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness.

POSITION OVERVIEW

F2P Bilingual Educators will work as part of a team of two to three people in providing education and support at childcare centers to promote local produce consumption. F2P Bilingual Educators will be responsible for ensuring accurate and fluent interpretation (verbal) during cooking demonstrations for adults, and if able, translating (writing) some written displayed signage and educational messaging. They will also be responsible for assisting the F2P Coordinator with food preparation tasks in between demonstrations, setting up and breaking down the workshop area, survey distribution and completion, and encouraging families to shop at farmers markets and other local produce venues. This position will be conducted in-person at childcare centers in neighborhoods throughout New York City with the potential for some additional virtual program implementation depending on the needs of the centers.

F2P Bilingual Educators will report to the F2P Coordinator (onsite team leader) and the F2P Manager and will work approximately 10-25 hours per week at $22 per hour. Paid training will be provided. Bilingual Educators’ hours depend upon and coincide with center and workshop schedules. F2P Bilingual Educators mustcommit to working a minimum of 2 days per week for the duration of the program and attending required Monday meetings. Required meetings are held weekly on Monday mornings with an additional required meeting taking place on Monday afternoons, once per month. All meetings will be held in person at the Health Department’s Long Island City office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare for and orally interpret Spanish, Bengali, Mandarin, Russian or Arabic, in-person cooking demonstrations for adults. Provide similar interpretation during other program activities, including virtual workshops, as needed.
• Assist with food preparation for cooking demonstrations.
• Assist with data collection during workshops.
• Assist with and ensure proper set-up and break-down of tent, table, cooking equipment and educational materials.
• Follow all program protocols including maintaining food safety and ensuring integrity of programming.
• Assist the F2P Coordinator with additional program activities as needed including program marketing, farmers market promotion and garden maintenance at the center.
• Attend weekly Monday morning meetings and monthly afternoon meetings on Mondays at DOHMH offices in Long Island City, Queens.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Willing and able to regularly lift and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds (to and from storage site to workshop location each day).
• Willing and able to stand for long periods of time and work outside in inclement weather conditions.
• Comfort and ability to work with diverse communities and travel to different neighborhoods across New York City.
• Commitment to 2 days per week of work, Monday through Friday, at childcare centers and Monday meetings as described above.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Written fluency in Spanish, or other relevant language (Bengali, Mandarin, Russian or Arabic).
• Experience working as part of a team.
• Experience working with young children.
• Experience or training in nutrition or culinary arts.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience with regional food systems and food security issues and the underlying causes of health inequities in NYC communities.
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal and communication skills

SALARY

The part-time position will be hired through a staffing agency at a pay rate of $22 per hour for 10-25 hours per week and will be funded through 6/30/23

WORK SCHEDULE

9:00am – 5:00pm

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

You must live in New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) in order to be considered for a position at FPHNYC.

TO APPLY

To apply, upload Resume, including how your experience relates to this position. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.