Youth Program Associate - Texas County

MU TITLE: Educational Program Associate I LOCATION: Texas County - Houston, MO The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement’s distinct land‑grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians, including educational attainment, environmental concerns, community, economic, business and workforce development, global food systems, and health systems. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, visit The University of Missouri Extension 4‑H Center for Youth Development provides leadership and expertise in developing communities of young people across Missouri who are learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4‑H is publicly supported by county, state, and federal partners, as well as private resources to enrich the learning experiences of youth and adults. For more information about 4‑H, visit This position will assist in the planning, management, and support of 4‑H Youth Development programs in the assigned geographic area under the guidance and supervision of the 4‑H Youth Development Specialist/Educator. The role will include providing Healthy Living programming that will include drug and alcohol prevention curriculum for every school in Texas County. Responsibilities Advocate for positive youth development in the community and MU Extension. Assist in coordination and planning, management, marketing, implementation, and evaluation of Healthy Living programming for every school in Texas County, including partner organizations and collaboration with Extension Health and Human Science faculty. Build and expand external local partnerships to grow the 4‑H program in the county, including but not limited to schools, community centers, and other youth‑serving organizations. Build and expand internal partnerships to grow the 4‑H program in the county, including partnerships among other UM colleges and Missouri Extension programs: Agriculture & Environment, Business and Community, Health and Human Science. Assist in coordination and planning, management, marketing, implementation (including teaching), and evaluation (including reporting) of research‑based curriculum that emphasizes leadership and civic engagement, STEM, healthy living, agriculture and natural resources, and other career exploration topics, both face‑to‑face and online. Build capacity among volunteers and community partners, fostering developmental relationships to contribute to program growth. Engage and empower volunteers and community partners to effectively implement 4‑H programs across all delivery modes. Develop leadership capacity among youth. Assist in the management of financial and in‑kind resources. Coordinate and/or conduct educational events, contests, camps, and programs utilizing a positive youth development approach. Promote state and national events and contests to contribute to statewide efforts that positively impact Missourians. Report accomplishments and impacts to appropriate sources including supervisor, funders, and stakeholders. Assist with record keeping and report preparation of 4‑H Youth Development Programs. Ensure that individuals in the county can participate in extension programs. Participate in training and professional development opportunities for continued knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the 4‑H Youth Development program. Be able to travel and work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends. Perform additional duties as needed to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension. Leadership Administrative supervision is received from the assigned Field Specialist/Educator in 4‑H Youth Development. This position is not responsible for supervision. Core Attributes Exhibit a high personal standard of excellence, be an effective team player, and demonstrate civility and respect for all. Engage stakeholders and learners; maintain positive interpersonal relationships and exhibit effective written and oral communication skills. Operate with minimal guidance and be a self‑directed learner who is flexible and adaptable to changing environments. Ensure all youth and adults in the county have the ability to participate in extension programs that offer a safe environment. Shift Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is required. Minimum Qualifications An associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and comparable knowledge and skills is necessary. Preferred Qualifications A minimum of six hours in one or more of the domains of the 4‑H Professional, Research, Knowledge and Competency Taxonomy (PRKC) for youth development. Experience in group work that involved direct care and interaction with children, such as YMCA, day care, schools, recreational facilities, etc., may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the stated education. Self‑motivated, willing to take initiative, and able to work with minimal supervision. A yearly Plan of Work based on locally identified needs. Ability and willingness to learn and implement hands‑on learning that emphasizes leadership, civic engagement, STEM, healthy living, agriculture, natural resources, and other career exploration topics. Ability to build internal and external partnerships to grow the 4‑H program. Ability to effectively use social media and information technology, including a variety of Windows‑based computer software programs. Ability to remain organized, accurate, and dependable with a positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team. Strong communication skills for identifying and working with partners, youth, volunteers, and community members/organizations. Marketing, promotion, and evaluation of programs offered. Creativity, problem‑solving ability, and ability to think on the fly. Ability to understand, synthesize, and communicate relevant information to various audiences. Ability to recruit, develop, and train youth and adults as volunteer leaders to assist with the implementation of the 4‑H program. Anticipated Hiring Range Salary Range: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour. Grade: GGS-005. University Title: Educational Program Associate I. Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, visit Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Missouri-Columbia