Understand the Organization

• Understand the mission of Extension within the Land Grant University system.
• Understand and adopt the mission and goals of FNEP.
• Understand the relationship of FNEP to Extension; the University of Missouri and Extension; the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS); and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Understand the eligibility requirements for participation in the Food Stamp program.
• Understand the importance of the NPA role in achieving program goals.
• Follow state FNEP guidelines.

Understand and Respect Diversity

• Respect and value people’s differences.
• Remain objective and avoid imposing one’s own values on others.
• Meet the nutrition education needs of learners of diverse race, ethnicity, gender, age, language, education level, religious, cultural, sexual orientation, and disabilities.
• Meet civil rights requirements.

Achieve Excellence in Teaching

• Recruit adults and youth who are eligible for FNP and EFNEP.
• Schedule programs (with input from supervisor) to be convenient for participants.
• Assess the needs, interests and abilities of participants.
• Understand the factors that influence an individual’s food behavior.
• Limit program content to FNEP topics as defined in state program guidelines.
• Use research-based, state-approved educational materials.
• Stay current in FNEP topics.
• Plan lesson plans, activities and materials based on participants’ needs, interests, age and abilities, as approved by supervisor.
• Engage participants in hands-on learning to achieve program outcomes.
• Use creative teaching techniques that build on participants’ learning styles (ways of learning), strengths, prior knowledge and skills.
• Create respectful learning environments in which learners feel comfortable to participate. Respond to questions, inaccurate information in an appropriate way.
• Explain appropriate food tasting procedures in classrooms.
• Understand and use age appropriate methods of behavior management in the classroom.
• Help participants set goals using new information and skills.
• Encourage participants to increase food and nutrition-related skills and become more independent.
• Acknowledge participants’ success.
• Use evaluation results to focus programming and improve teaching skills/techniques.

Conduct Program Evaluation

• Use state-approved evaluation forms and methods for collecting participant and program outcome information.
• Meet expected goals for participation/caseload as designated by supervisor.
• Provide constructive feedback to supervisors/state leaders on program effectiveness.

Maintain Accurate Records and Reports

• Submit records and reports neatly, accurately, completely and on time. Document time and travel regularly on appropriate forms.
• Secure and submit participant signatures indicating consent for photographs and/or other personal information that may be used to improve programming.

Maintain Effective Internal and External Partnerships

• Know community demographics, resources, needs and issues.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with other Extension programs and community agencies.
• Respect the missions of partnering agencies.
• Understand and follow program memoranda of understanding and/or collaborative agreements.
• Communicate regularly with partnering agencies to coordinate services.
• Respond to agency referrals in a timely manner and report follow-up with the person/agency that made the referral.
• Refer participants to the Food Stamp Program, Extension programs and other appropriate community resources.
• Strengthen programming by involving volunteers, where appropriate. Participate in the research mission of the University as approved by supervisor.

Communicate Program Value

• Serve as a good representative of the University.
• Include required logos, Food Stamp program message and FNP funding statement on all print materials.
• Share program outcomes and successes with stakeholders, media and the public.
• Ensure productive interpersonal relationships.
• Maintain positive working relationships with support staff, co-workers and supervisors.
• Share program materials and ideas with co-workers. Be open to new ideas, concepts and information.
• Mentor new co-workers as directed by supervisor.
• Use effective verbal, writing and listening skills.
• Volunteer and/or accept additional responsibilities when appropriate and with supervisor approval.
• Accept constructive criticism and suggestions.

Demonstrate Technology Literacy

• Demonstrate basic computer skills including e-mail and accessing the Internet.
• Use basic office equipment including the telephone system, fax and copier.
• Use websites approved by supervisor.
• Use audio visual equipment and materials appropriately in teaching.
• Enter data accurately and print reports.

Demonstrate Personal Accountability

• Balance multiple responsibilities including teaching, recruiting, recordkeeping and reporting.
• Communicate concerns and issues to supervisor in a timely manner (sickness, leave requests, change of schedules, accidents, and conflicts with agencies, participants, co-workers).
• Practice positive work ethics (loyalty, honesty, integrity, perseverance).
• Demonstrate an understanding of job responsibilities and boundaries.
• Use good judgment about health and personal safety at work.
• Dress appropriately (as defined by state FNEP guidelines) and practice good hygiene.
• Meet scheduled commitments; arrive prepared and on time; cancel appointments only when absolutely necessary.
• Model positive nutrition, health and food safety behaviors.
• Maintain reliable transportation.
• Organize and maintain teaching materials, supplies and equipment.
• Use time and travel resources wisely.
• Participate actively in staff development/training.
• Develop a personal staff development plan including setting goals to improve work performance in conjunction with supervisor.
• Use technology and program equipment/materials appropriately and for work purposes only.
• Work independently with confidence.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant and program information (appropriately file, transport and store records).
• Comply with state laws regarding reporting criminal activity (copyright laws, reporting child abuse, and issues related to court cases).

Adapted from FSNE Core Competencies – CES/Land-Grant University System, January 2006; MO workgroup: Ellen Schuster, Julie Royse, Terry Egan, Cathy McCallum, Damaris Karanja and Alison Copeland and “Objectives FNEP Staff Orientation”

Family Nutrition Education Programs, University of Missouri
1205 University Avenue, Suite 300, Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573.882.9760  Fax: 573.884.5449

HES Extension Site Manager exthesweb@missouri.edu last updated: 05/29/2009 Copyright  ADA Equal Opportunity