University
of Missouri Extension
4-H Youth Development
Specialist
Position
Description
LOCATION: Headquartered in Greene County, Missouri in the Southwest Region with additional responsibilities for Christian, Webster, and Taney Counties.
COUNTY/REGIONAL PROFILE: Information may be found at the following web address: http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/
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.
At a minimum the specialist must:
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.
d. Understand and demonstrate expertise in community-based learning concepts.
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 a master’s degree with minimum of 24 hours of coursework in one or more of the following areas described in the 4-H Professional Research, Knowledge and Competencies (PRKC 2004) taxonomy for youth development: child, adolescent, and adult human development; education, learning theory and learning strategies; organizational systems and human resource management; community development/partnerships; and volunteerism. Degrees in education, social work, child/family/human development, psychology, sociology, community development, and leisure studies represent some of the fields of study of successful applicants. For more information on youth development and the 4-H PRKC taxonomy, visit the website: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/4-Hprkc_study_010605.pdf.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE in designing, conducting and evaluating educational programs, and applying knowledge in subject matter areas related to volunteerism, human growth and development, family systems, parenting, prevention, experiential education, community collaboration, and state and national issues relative to youth and families 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 various settings.
Work collaboratively with a team of extension professionals and volunteers to provide professional leadership for comprehensive University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development programs in assigned geographic area. This includes program planning, implementation, evaluation, as well as creating linkages for both the University of Missouri System and Lincoln University campuses and external resource people.
University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development programs help children and teens become caring, capable, competent and contributing through a series of progressive experiences with caring adults during non-school hours. 4-H youth development programs focus on prevention and the broader developmental needs of youth, rather than single issues or problems. University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development program use an ecological approach, recognizing that young people are part of multiple systems, including family, community and society. The 4-H youth development specialist develops programs and partnerships at all system levels to promote positive growth and development for all young people. For more information, see website: http://mo4h.missouri.edu/.
a. Provide educational leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of high priority, long-term programs based on research related to community-focused programs that promote positive youth development, including work with 4-H clubs, schools, youth-serving agencies and community collaborations. Keep up to date on research, current and future trends and local and state demographic information and apply this to the area of volunteerism, child and adolescent development, parenting, family support, teaching/learning methodologies, prevention of high-risk behaviors, community collaboration and social issues impacting youth and families.
b. Counsel with regional director, extension program directors, program leaders and other specialists on overall program design and priorities identified in County, Regional and State Program Plans.
c. 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.
d. Create an awareness of University of Missouri Extension programs among civic organizations, public agencies and key leaders.
e. Assess personal assets and needs to plan and participate in appropriate professional development, regional and program staff conferences and professional meetings.
f. Attend appropriate in-service education (ISE) offerings and implement programming related to the ISE.
g. Participate in interdisciplinary program planning and program development teams, committees and task forces.
h. 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.
i. Pursue and develop sources of funding both internally and externally and manage financial and human resources needed to deliver and sustain programs.
j. Assume both programmatic and administrative responsibilities as assigned by the regional director. This person will have direct supervisory responsibilities for the Youth Program Assistants (YPA) in the assigned counties.
k. Annually provide an updated job description and performance expectations, related to county and state program plans. Develop an individual development plan annually.
l. Conduct activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and region affirmative action plans.
m. Develop and coordinate volunteer management systems for youth and adult volunteers who work with University of Missouri Extension /4-H youth development programs. Provide training and support for professionals and volunteers from other youth-serving agencies, schools and community organizations. Serve as a resource and develop positive relationships with 4-H councils, university extension councils, and other advisory groups.
a. Work with the Greene County 4-H Foundation.
b. Cooperate and work with the local staff and county council in the planning, development, and eventual move into the new Botanical Center in Springfield which will house the Greene County Extension Center.
c. Supervise three youth program associates or assistants.
a. Keep regional director, program director, 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 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.
The 4-H youth specialist is accountable to the regional director.
[ Position Announcements| University of Missouri Extension| University of Missouri System ]
 |
Human
Resource Development hrdext@missouri.edu Last modified: 09/20/07 |
|
|
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. |
||