University of Missouri Extension Position Description

University of Missouri Extension
Labor Education Specialist
Position Description

LOCATION: Headquartered in St. Louis County in East Central Region with additional responsibilities for St. Louis City, St. Charles and Jefferson counties.

CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Each extension specialist must possess (1) personal strengths (2) capabilities as an educator, (3) capabilities in information technology, and (4) expertise in their academic specialty. For more information see http://extension.missouri.edu/pdo/corecompetencies.shtml.

a. Demonstrate knowledge, skills and expertise in the area(s) of specialization and the ability to apply research to programming.

b. Demonstrate expertise in program design, development, implementation and evaluation.

c. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the teaching/learning process, including the use of sound educational practices, principles of learning and learning styles and large and small group facilitation.

e. Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in programming to meet the needs of different racial/ethnic, socio-economic and other groups underserved by the organization.

f. Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.

g. Demonstrate effectiveness in the use and application of information technology, including knowledge and skills in Windows-based computer applications, word processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentations, e-mail, and the Internet. An understanding of the application of distance learning is desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: This position requires an earned master’s degree in social sciences, industrial relations or another field related to labor and employment relations policy and practice, and experience working with labor unions or other related community-based organizations, or related area with appropriate coursework exhibited. Related areas include adult education, regional or applied economics, organizational development, public policy or political science.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE in designing, conducting and evaluating educational programs, and applying research-based knowledge in subject matter areas related to labor relations policy and practice, including community cooperation and collaboration, capacity assessment and action planning, economic development, public policy issue identification and analysis, leadership, organizational development and resource management, and volunteerism to organizational development is desired.

a. Ability to work with colleagues in a multidisciplinary, issue-based approach to program design and delivery to impact change in one or more of the following priority areas: (1) enhancing economic viability, (2) building strong individuals, families and communities, and (3) creating and sustaining a healthy environment.

b. Ability to travel and to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

c. Ability to manage time and resources, and to work with minimum supervision in a variety of settings.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Working collaboratively with a team of extension professionals and volunteers, the specialist will be responsible for giving programmatic leadership to labor education and labor studies. This includes working with labor organizations, community partnerships, capacity assessment, economic development, leadership education, public policy issues identification and analysis, program planning, implementation, evaluation, as well as creating linkages for both the University of Missouri System and Lincoln University campuses and external resource people.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Provide educational leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of high priority, long-term programs based on research related to labor education.

b. Keep up to date on research, current and future trends and local and state demographic information and apply this to the area of labor education and labor studies. Maintain knowledge of labor education and issues.

c. Counsel with regional director, Director Labor Education Program and other specialists on overall program design and priorities identified in County, Regional and State Program Plans.

d. Through work with the faculty of the MU Labor Education Program, be responsible for the development, promotion and delivery of labor education classes in the East Central Region (Saint Louis metro area).

e. Market programs to all types of audiences and promote the total mission of University of Missouri Extension using mass media, information technology and other forums reaching a variety of groups and individuals.

f. Represent the MU Labor Education Program and the MU Extension program in general with labor organizations, apprentice programs, other labor-management organizations, and community-based organizations in the Saint Louis metropolitan area.

g. Work with community leaders in identifying opportunities for educational impact in community and economic development. Create an awareness of University of Missouri programs among civic organizations, public agencies and key leaders.

h. Upon special request conduct programming elsewhere across the state in relevant labor education programs.

i. Assess personal assets and needs to plan and participate in appropriate professional development, regional and program staff conferences and professional meetings.

j. Attend appropriate in-service education offerings and implement programming related to the ISE.

k. Participate in interdisciplinary program planning and program development teams, committees and task forces. Strengthen organizational, community, and regional ability to work towards collaborative arrangements that facilitate community and economic development.

l. Prepare and submit timely, clear and concise reports that indicate program progress and impact including knowledge, skills and behavior change of learners, and maintain records to support these reports.

m. Pursue and develop sources of funding both internally and externally and manage financial and human resources needed to deliver and sustain programs.

n. Assume both programmatic and administrative responsibilities as assigned by the regional director.

o. Annually provide an updated job description and performance expectations, related to county and state program plans. Develop an individual development plan annually.

p. Conduct activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and region affirmative action plans.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

a. All off-campus faculty members may be assigned county program director responsibilities if University of Missouri Extension feels they are the most appropriate faculty member to serve in that capacity. These responsibilities would include carrying out programming, resource management and extension council relations’ duties. This requires providing leadership to the development, implementation, and evaluation of extension programs in the county plan of work through involving faculty, clientele, extension councils, advisory committees, community agencies, organizations and other citizens. Also required is representation of the University of Missouri to county extension councils, county governments and other agencies in determining fiscal needs and securing and managing resources to carry out county extension programs. In addition, work is required to partnership with county extension councils to develop and implement the county plan and administer county council resources. The county program director will be responsible for development of effective leadership skills in order for councils to be advocates for extension programs.

RELATIONSHIPS

a. Keep regional director, director of Labor Education, extension councils, campus and off-campus faculty and key clientele groups involved with and informed of county plan of work priorities, program needs, design and accomplishments.

b. Develop coalitions and foster teamwork internally among colleagues and externally among individuals/organizations.

c. Develop and maintain positive working relationships and communication with University of Missouri/Lincoln University campus and off campus faculty who are responsible for providing program development support.

d. Establish cooperative working relationships with regional extension colleagues in order to effectively plan and implement interdisciplinary programs.

e. Assist in inter-agency networking and collaborative efforts to address local issues and concerns.

f. Develop essential linkages with labor organizations, community organizations and local governments in evaluating county needs and designing and implementing programs.

g. Establish and maintain working relationships with individuals, groups and organizations that can benefit from and contribute to the program.

General supervision is received from the East Central Regional Director. Specialists are directly accountable to their Regional Director.

Programmatic leadership is received from the Director of Labor Education. Specialists are to work with their Directors to deliver high priority programs.

		Human Resource Development hrdext@missouri.edu Last modified: 03/21/11
Equal opportunity is and shall be provided to all participants in Extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or military organizations associated with the armed forces of the United States of America. To request ADA accommodations, please contact HR at (573) 882-4721.