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 bilingual educators to assist in conducting garden-themed nutrition lessons for children and cooking demonstrations for adults at child care centers that serve families living with low-incomes across New York City as part of the DOHMH’s Farm to Preschool (F2P) initiative. F2P engages with families, children, and staff at child care 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 Details

F2P Bilingual Educators will assist F2P Educators in providing education and support at child care centers. From mid-June to the end of September, F2P Bilingual Educators will assist F2P Educators in conducting cooking demonstrations for adults and encouraging families to shop at farmers markets and other local produce venues. Planning is underway for this position to be conducted in-person at child care centers with the potential to shift to virtual implementation depending on COVID-19 community transmission rates. F2P Bilingual Educators will report to the F2P Coordinator and will work approximately 10-16 hours per week at $22 per hour. Paid training will be provided.

Responsibilities

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist child care centers in setting up and maintaining indoor and/or outdoor container or in-ground gardens.
• Provide interpretation into Spanish, or other relevant language, of cooking demonstrations for adults and during other program activities, as needed.
• Assist with preparation and implementation of cooking demonstrations for adults, in-person and/or virtually.
• Follow curriculum and program protocols including maintaining food safety and ensuring integrity of programming.
• Set-up, break-down, and properly maintain and store tent, table and all cooking equipment and educational materials.
• Assist with additional program activities as needed including program marketing and data collection.
• Attend monthly afternoon meetings on Mondays at DOHMH offices in Long Island City, Queens (July through September).

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Oral fluency in Spanish, or other relevant language (Mandarin, Cantonese, or Arabic).

• 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.
• Comfort and ability to work with diverse communities and travel to different neighborhoods across New York City.
• ServSafe certification or successful completion of the NYC Food Protection Course (prior to June 20, 2022).
• Commitment to 2-3 days per week of work, Tuesday through Friday, at child care centers and monthly Monday afternoon meetings (July through September).

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in interpreting information orally from English to Spanish, or other relevant language (Mandarin, Cantonese, or Arabic).
• Written fluency in Spanish, or other relevant language (Mandarin, Cantonese, or Arabic).
• 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.

COMPENSATION

The part-time position will be hired through a staffing agency at a pay rate of $22 per hour for 10-16 hours per week and will be funded through 9/30/22.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To work in a child care setting, all staff must be vaccinated against COVID 19. This requirement must be met by your date of hire.

TO APPLY

To apply, send resume including how your experience relates to this position.  Applications will be accepted until late May 2022. We ask that you do not contact our staff directly and no phone inquiries. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

The Fund for Public Health in New York City, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates to apply.