Agent Associate, Financial Wellness (Family and Consumer Sciences Educator)

Extension Educator In The Family & Consumer Sciences Program

Organization's Summary Statement: University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month appointment Extension Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. FCS program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. FCS Programs focus on improving the health and economic prosperity of residents and communities in Maryland. Programs will focus on financial well-being for families, youth, and communities and may also address health and well-being. This position will also create and facilitate community partnerships with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, school systems, businesses, and others that support extension programs and policy, as well as systems and environmental approaches. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic leadership. For administrative matters, the individual is responsible to their Area Extension Director.

Job Responsibilities: Plan, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs designed to meet the community residents' financial literacy and well-being needs in Charles county. Conduct and analyze community needs assessment to develop innovative educational programs grounded in research and science. The programs will focus on improving the financial health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities and may also include nutrition and healthy eating, chronic disease prevention and management, health literacy, physical activity, wellness, and health promotion. Education and outreach programs may include workshops, seminars, training, webinars, and others that are virtual, in-person, or blended. Collaborate with other FCS and UME faculty in a three-county cluster and across the state. Work with Extension Advisory Committee (EAC) members and other appropriate stakeholders in Charles county to identify priority needs of families and communities. Participate in relevant FCS Action Teams to contribute to statewide and county-level health and well-being education programs. Engage clientele in the education process using learner-centered strategies as well as public health approaches that result in positive behavioral changes. Establish strong partnerships with community coalitions and organizations such as schools, human service agencies, libraries, government agencies, local health coalitions, and others to develop Extension education and outreach opportunities as well as policy systems, and environmental strategies for target populations and communities. Utilize educational materials from the University of Maryland, other state/national Extension programs, universities, government, and non-profit organizations that are grounded in research, science, and evidence-based when feasible. Collect program evaluation and report outputs and impacts utilizing evaluation strategies as outlined by the FCS and Action Teams. Develop and/or collaborate on funding proposals to supplement and enhance local Extension programming efforts when possible, including grants, contracts and cost- recoveries to offset costs and to acquire resources. Engage and participate in county office team efforts to increase internal collaborations and build local stakeholder support for all UME programs.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. Physical Demands: A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching and event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and teardown of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites. Environmental: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position may require the employee to work in community or school environments, as well as outdoors at certain times of the year, such as county fairs. Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Qualifications: Required- Bachelor's degree in family & consumer sciences (FCS), personal finance, public health, education, or a closely related field. Experience in educational program development and the evaluation process. Demonstrated evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills. Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with colleagues, volunteers, and a variety of clientele. Demonstrated ability to develop successful community collaborations and partnerships. Strong computer skills and experience with Google Mail system, Microsoft Office, Videoconferencing, and other software to support program development, management, delivery, and evaluation. Demonstrated program management, organization, and time management skills. Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Personal transportation and a valid driver's license are required. Must be willing to travel throughout the cluster as well as the state of Maryland as needed. Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs. This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferences: Master's degree in a relevant field of study. Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community-based education (e.g., work in extension, public health, community education). Experience working with volunteers is desirable. Demonstrated ability in generating funds such as grants, contracts, and donations to enhance extension outreach programming. Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with a broad audience and all socioeconomic levels. Licenses/ Certifications: N/A