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MODEL POSITION DESCRIPTION: Extension 4-H Youth Educator             County (DATE)

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Attainment of at least a Bachelor's degree in a field that is applicable to Extension 4-H youth work.
  2. Must possess a grade point average necessary for enrollment in graduate study.
  3. Demonstrated leadership and management abilities. Ability to accept and delegate responsibility.
  4. Extension or similar work-related experience (i.e. youth development teaching, informal education). Work with volunteers (i.e., recruitment, in-service) is desirable.
  5. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  6. Ability to work effectively with adults and youth of all socioeconomic levels.
  7. Demonstrated drive and initiative.
  8. Knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management is desirable.
  9. Personal mobility/transportation required. Flexible working hours required.
  10. Must be willing to reside in                 County upon employment. Waiver available under certain circumstances.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for the youth phase of the Cooperative Extension Service for County, providing opportunities for youths and adults to develop leadership potential, citizenship responsibility and productive capacity through the volunteer leadership of adults and older youths.
 

  1.  Plan, organize, implement and evaluate youth development programs relevant to the needs of               County citizens.
  2. Work with community leaders and youths through developmental committees, events committees and the 4-H advisory council to identify needs and opportunities to plan appropriate youth programs and activities. Support existing clubs and establish new clubs in targeted areas.
  3. Attend and act in an advisory capacity at 4-H Council meetings supporting members and assisting in coordination of council projects (i.e., leader and member recognition, leader in-service, fund-raising).
  4. Identify, recruit, select and assist volunteer leaders to teach and work with youths. Coordinate county-wide leader in-service. Inform leaders about, encourage and motivate them to participate in leader in-service at regional and state levels. Help local leaders reach and involve as many young people as possible with informal "learning by doing" experience and activities.
  5. Promote the 4-H program, encouraging and expanding enrollment through contacts with schools, community organizations and community leaders. Promote total 4-H Youth Programs through community awareness efforts and other special programs.
  6. Work with all segments of local communities to gain support and tangible resources. Assist and advise 4-H councils and committees in securing and managing funds to support 4-H programs. Provide training about appropriate financial management to council, committee and club officers.
  7. Represent Cooperative Extension at fair board and other community meetings as appropriate.
  8. Provide information and opportunities for learning through the use of mass media (newsletter, radio, TV), group meetings, workshop and individual contacts.
  9. Be responsible for gathering data and writing periodic progress reports as required by MSU and             County.
  10. Assist in the maintenance of records reflecting enrollment, contacts, expansion activities and work with minority groups and other groups in targeted areas.
  11. Assist in and attend county, multi-county, state and national activities such as Exploration Days, Washington Focus, Leadermetes, Leader Forum, etc., as appropriate.
  12. Regularly review with the county Extension director all proposed, newly implemented and existing 4-H Youth Programs, policies and activities as to progress, objectives, target dates, problems encountered, etc.
  13. Implement the directives of the USDA's policy on Civil Rights and Title IX regarding the availability of 4-H Youth Programs and activities and EEO policies on employment. Assume leadership for carrying out 4-H Expansion and Review function. Initiate efforts to expand Extension programs to those not reached including limited resource families, youths and minorities.
  14. Participate in staff development opportunities, formal or informal, that will lead to improved competencies in areas that will meet the needs of youths.
  15. Prepare individual 4-H Youth Plan of Work, Annual Report, ES 237 and monthly narrative reports, respecting format and due date procedures. Contribute segments for the County Annual Report and for special reports (i.e., reports to the Board of Commissioners) as appropriate.
  16. Communicate and cooperate with other members of the county Extension staff, specialists, administrators and other groups and agencies utilizing a team approach that will benefit the ongoing effectiveness of Cooperative Extension in County.
  17. Carry out other duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Is responsible to the county Extension director, regional Extension supervisor and assistant director for 4-H Youth Programs in terms of supervision.

Prepared May 1990