CCE of Albany County Community Specialist - Voorheesville, NY

The Community Specialist supports Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County educational programs, primarily helping community members navigate the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) application and eligibility processes. This role is well suited for someone who is patient, compassionate, organized, and comfortable working with vulnerable people who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. This position requires attention to detail and the ability to work independently and calmly with program participants. The Community Specialist will work as part of a team to assist program participants both in person and over the phone. Primary responsibilities include explaining program requirements, aiding with the application process, maintaining accurate, confidential records and making referrals to other programs and organisations when appropriate. The Community Specialist also assists with outreach events, a summer youth employment program, and other CCE programs and initiatives as needed. The position works collaboratively with CCE Albany staff and helps connect participants with Extension resources and programs. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. An Associate’s degree plus 2 years related experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree. Experience relevant to the role of the position. Ability to meet the frequent travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver’s license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required. Ability to work flexible hours, which may include occasional evenings and/or weekends. Ability to effectively coordinate and deliver assigned programs and meet program goals and data reporting requirements. Technology Skills - Microsoft Office suite, internet, and program related software. Communication Skills - Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in a typical office environment and regularly works in community-based settings. In addition, the position regularly lifts, moves, or transports program related materials and equipment. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of community resources that support vulnerable populations. Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions Program Responsibilities: Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research – 35% Serve as subject matter resource; answer questions. Deliver existing programs in person, one-on-one or in groups, by phone, and at community outreach events, as assigned. Extend educational resources and help participants make connections (including referrals) to other Extension programs and community resources. Assist with other programs as assigned. Interact with program participants. Represent CCE before the public and others. May assist with team efforts to deliver programs. Assist in evaluating the program and making recommendations for improvements. Administrative Responsibilities: Direction and Management – 10% Assist in planning and managing assigned programs. Assist in developing, expanding, and enhancing relationships for the program. Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise in the program, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures. Coordination and Operation – 50% Provide HEAP application assistance, answer phone calls and respond to messages, review eligibility, household size, conduct participant interviews, document needs, submit applications, conduct follow up, etc. Coordinate assigned programs, trainings, events, and meetings. Complete and submit all required reports, records, and documentation (e.g. program data, evaluation data, incident reports, expense reports, etc.) in an accurate and timely manner. Effectively collaborate with partner organizations and others. Assist the supervisor to coordinate the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Help connect eligible youth to employment opportunities throughout the county. May assist in the development of marketing materials. Assist the supervisor with communication efforts by drafting emails, social media posts, web updates, articles, or news releases. Maintain confidentiality of information regarding all program participants. Professional Improvement – 5% In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities. Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned. Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment. Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard. Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified. Policy – Applied to all duties and functions Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Albany County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success. Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner. Equal Opportunity Employment Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws. Position Details This is an on-site position based in Voorheesville, NY. We firmly believe in work-life balance and provide generous paid time off. This position is full-time. Compensation is paid at the rate of $25.05 per hour and includes 21 Vacation days, 14 Holidays, 3 Personal days and 12 Sick days annually. Mileage for work related travel is reimbursed. Excellent benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, NYS Retirement (NYSERS), and much more. Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holiday pay) NYS Health Insurance Program NYSHIP Dental Insurance NYS Retirement (NYSERS) Long-Term Disability Insurance Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts Voluntary Term Life Insurance Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance Voluntary Pet Insurance Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available. For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail View email address on click.appcast.io or phone View phone number on click.appcast.io. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. Job Title: Association Program Coordinator II Level: 004 Pay Rate Type: Hourly Company: Contract College Contact Name: Jim McNaughton Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University. As provided in New York State County Law Article 5, Section 224, the independent county and regional extension service associations are locally operated under the direction of Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. County and regional extension service association employees are employed by their association to engage in educational work and are not employees of Cornell University. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cornell University