Job Description
Job DescriptionABOUT RED HOOK INITIATIVE (RHI)
Red Hook Initiative (RHI) is a community-based nonprofit working to improve the lives of the more
than 6,500 residents of Red Hook Houses, Brooklyn's largest public housing complex. RHI
believes that the social change to overcome systemic inequities begins with empowered youth,
and that change in communities should come from within. In partnership with community
adults, we nurture young people in Red Hook to be inspired, resilient, and healthy, and to envision
themselves as co-creators of their lives, community, and society.
Red Hook Farms, a project of Red Hook Initiative, is a youth-centered urban farming and food
justice program in Red Hook, Brooklyn. We create opportunities for teens to expand their
knowledge base, develop their leadership skills, and positively engage with each other, their
community, and the environment. We operate two urban farm sites and our programs include a
youth apprenticeship, weekly farm stands, a CSA farm share, a Garden Club for NYCHA residents,
and farm visits for Red Hook schools. We strive to improve access to healthy, affordable produce
for our community, on land that we steward with intention and care, while nurturing a new
generation of green leaders.
Youth development, community building, and community hiring are at the core of RHI's approach
to strengthen Red Hook's future. Our model gives young people and residents the tools,
resources, and opportunities they need to interrupt the systems and barriers that perpetuate historic
inequities for the community. Residents lead the way toward a more equitable, hopeful future.
Over our 20-year history, RHI's model and dedicated team have been nationally recognized for its
innovative, place-based approach to social change.
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JOB SUMMARY
Red Hook Initiative seeks to contract with a Community Nutritionist to support our Food as Medicine program. The Community Nutritionist will implement nutrition and cooking education workshops for community members at Red Hook Farms and hold one-on-one nutrition counseling for eligible Red Hook residents. The Community Nutritionist will be responsible for implementing the reimbursement-based services to eligible clients, in addition to offering workshops to benefit the broader neighborhood. The ideal candidate is a Registered Dietitian with at least two years of experience in a community-based setting. Candidates must be available to work Fridays and Saturdays from June-November 2025.
The Food as Medicine program provides $25 weekly vouchers for 30 food-insecure and/or chronically ill households in Red Hook to use at the Red Hook Farm Stand, June-November. This program was developed in partnership with the Red Hook Community Health Network as a way to increase access to fresh produce, fruit, and eggs while reducing the economic burden caused by high food costs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES
Nutrition and Cooking Education Workshops
- Plan, lead, and execute weekly nutrition demos and workshops at Red Hook Farms and/or RHI's main office.
- Friday and Saturday, June 2025 - November 2025.
- Source weekly ingredients needed for cooking demos.
- Maintain a clean and organized supply and equipment inventory.
Nutrition Counseling
- Provide nutrition education and support to Red Hook residents enrolled in the Food as Medicine program and other residents struggling with chronic health issues. Advocate for clients' needs in accessing nutrition services.
Reporting and Reimbursement
- Keep detailed records of clients seen and workshops conducted for reporting purposes.
- Maintain accurate notes and records of patient interactions and services provided in appropriate platforms. Ensuring all documentation meets Medicaid requirements and supports service reimbursement.
COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)
- Deep connection to and knowledge of the Red Hook community (Red Hook resident preferred).
- Cultural sensitivity to health and food-related outcomes, and utilizes a weight-inclusive and trauma-informed approach to nutrition education.
- Computer skills and proficiency with Google (specifically Gmail and Google Drive)
- Written and oral fluency in English and Spanish or Mandarin is preferred
- Able to work outdoors and in inclement weather, and willing to stand or be on their feet for extended periods.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Registered dietitian certification.
- At least 2 years of experience working in the public/community health arena.
- 1-2 years of experience teaching community members about healthy eating and nutrition.
WORKING CONDITIONS (ENVIRONMENT) & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- The RHI work environment is characteristic of a typical indoor office/program environment and the noise level is generally moderate. Time will also be spent at the Red Hook Farm where the employee will be outside and on their feet.
- While performing the essential duties and responsibilities of the job, the employee will be required to operate a computer and other office equipment.
- This job is based on-site at RHI's main program office and the farm in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The ideal candidate will either be a resident of Red Hook or one of its neighboring communities, or will be within reasonable commuting distance to RHI's main program office.
COMMITMENT TO DEI & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
RHI actively engages individuals from all backgrounds and is committed to embracing diversity across all areas and aspects of the organization. We firmly believe that an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect towards individual differences and embracing an inclusive and equitable environment is indispensable to building a successful organization, contributing to a positive and meaningful employment experience for staff, and advancing the best possible outcomes for the clients served by RHI's programs. We are also committed to community hiring and supporting the job prospects of Red Hook residents.
As an equal opportunity employer, RHI is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or any other characteristic or basis prohibited by applicable law.
COMPENSATION
RHI strives to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our core values and commitment to our employees. The salary range for this position is $35-40/hour to commensurate with a candidate's competencies and experience.
TO APPLY
Please log on to the RHI career portal at: https://rhicenter.applicantpro.com/jobs/ to apply for this position. Please be prepared to upload your cover letter and resume as one combined PDF document.
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