Health Education Specialist - Nutrition

Working Title: Health Education Specialist - Nutrition

Classification Title: Health Educator

Posting Details

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): Sunday, June 8, 2025 @ 11:55pm PT

Hiring Preference


Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of CARES, Basic Needs & Wellness in Student Health and Counseling & Wellness Services (SHCWS), the Health Promotion Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, planning and evaluating nutrition and other health education programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the overall well-being and healthy lifestyle choices of students, within the university community. Your role will involve collaborating and overseeing student assistants completing academic internships, working with various university departments, student organizations, oversight of the Teaching Kitchen and cooking demos, and collaborating with external partners to create a comprehensive health promotion strategy. The Health Promotion Specialist will work collaboratively with the Health and Wellness Promotion (HWP) department team, SHCWS staff, and campus partners to coordinate the Peer Health Educator Program, deliver student health education, and promote campus policy, systems, and environmental changes to support student wellness. The Health Promotion Specialist is responsible for design, develop, and implementation of evidence-based health education programs and initiatives tailored to the needs and interests of the university community. The Health Promotion Specialist provides leadership in identifying goals for and developing health promotion programs to address long and short-term campus health promotion needs utilizing best practices in health to create a campus environment that supports students in their wellbeing and academic success, reduce stigma and barriers to seeking health services, and promote positive student health behaviors.

FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,789.00 per month - $5,600.00 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,789.00 per month - $9,244.00 per month

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range: 1

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Pay Plan : 12 months

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Hours may vary for campus events and summer hours.

Department Information

Student Health, Counseling & Wellness Services (SHCWS) embraces a holistic and collaborative approach to healthcare by offering urgent care, primary care, preventative services, wellness education, violence support services, and mental health, services to the Sacramento State campus community. SHCWS is committed to providing quality care and service delivery and is accredited through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

For more information, please visit: https://www.csus.edu/student-life/health-counseling/

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of health education theories, research, and program assessment; planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of health education programs; and industry standards for the delivery of health education in higher education. General knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, current and emerging college age student health problems and existing methods of intervention and control. Working knowledge of the principles of educational and social psychology and how they apply to a health education program; and applicable industry standards and practices for health promotion such as those found in the American College Health Association’s “Standards of Practice for Health Promotion in Higher Education.”

Abilities:

Ability to assess needs and establish or recommend program priorities and goals and develop plans to achieve goals; collect, compile, chart, and analyze data pertinent to health education program planning; plan, organize, conduct or oversee a variety of health education programs and activities including discussion groups and workshops; develop educational materials and media such as pamphlets, audio and video materials, and electronic media; present ideas and information accurately, effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing; use computer and web-based information technology systems as a resource for research and providing health education programs; maintain confidentiality consistent with applicable laws and regulations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, students, medical, and other health professionals, representatives of the news media, and other community groups.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an approved program in health education or a related health field. Equivalent to one to two years of progressively responsible health education experience or combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Health Science, or other related field or equivalent in an approved program in health education or a related health field. Equivalent to two years of progressively responsible nutrition health education experience or combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities. Professional work experience developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating health education programs and activities Knowledge of the principles of nutrition, dietary needs, and weight management. Knowledge and demonstrated ability to provide nutritional information through workshops/presentations, social media, cooking demonstrations with an emphasis on those with low food security. Ability to evaluate and develop nutrition programs, education materials, and resources. Demonstrated knowledge of top college health issues, including sexuality/reproductive health, sexual/dating violence, nutrition and eating disorders, alcohol/tobacco/drug abuse, and mental health. Demonstrated knowledge of health promotion, behavior change, and public health theories and models; evidence-informed health promotion programs; and environmental change strategies/socio-ecological model. Demonstrated skills in developing and facilitating a variety of educational methods designed to improve knowledge, skills, and behaviors, including presentations, workshops, trainings, individual behavior change sessions, and small group discussion/facilitation. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, health equity, and cultural competence and the ability to work in a multicultural environment. Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including working effectively in a team environment and collaborating with a variety of partners and stakeholders. Ability to select, train, oversee and evaluate student staff. Organizational skills to maintain accuracy and optimize efficiency of materials, information, projects, and records. Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite Products, ability to document in an electronic medical record, standard software programs, and audio/visual equipment. Ability to obtain and maintain a ServSafe Certification. Ability to obtain and maintain Basic Life Support/Current CPR certification. Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.
Condition of Employment :

• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in public health, health science, or another related field. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES); Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) - For professionals with a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition or related fields. Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist (BCHN) - Ideal if you incorporate holistic wellness into student support. Precision Nutrition Level 1 (PN1) - A well-recognized certification for behavior-based nutrition coaching. Experience supervising, training, instructing and mentoring students in a university or college environment. Experience with critical review of professional and academic literature related to nutrition and health and wellness promotion, especially among college students. Experience applying health promotion, behavior change, and public health theories and models; evidence-informed health promotion programs; and policy/systems/environmental change strategies/socio-ecological model to a student population. Experience gathering, compiling and synthesizing information for application in strategic program planning and evaluation. Experience in identifying funding opportunities and applying for and managing grants.

Licenses/Certifications

Ability to obtain and maintain:

• ServSafe Certification
• Basic Life Support/CPR Certification

Preferred:

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES); Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
• Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist (BCHN)
• Precision Nutrition Level 1 (PN1)

Documents Needed to Apply

• Current CV/Resume
• Cover Letter
• Copies of relevant licenses/certifications (if applicable)

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State is a Hispanic and AANAPISI serving institution with about 31,000 students coming not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

“As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success ; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity ; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion ; resource development and sustainability ; dedicated community engagement , and wellness and safety .

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html .

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html .

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know Act Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery . The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request from the Office of Clery Compliance & Training by emailing clery@csus.edu .

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance & Training as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Effective May 2023, per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

Advertised: May 20 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• CSU, Sacramento

• (916) 278-6326

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