As part of the MSU Extension Children & Youth Institute, with direction and guidance from the Supervising Educator or Institute Director, provides leadership for and oversight of local 4-H programs, volunteers and youth participants; recruits, selects and trains 4-H program volunteers; oversees program/project promotion, expansion and evaluation activities; coordinates and assists with data gathering for impact evaluation efforts; and works in conjunction with supervisor, program participants and community partners to attain both short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Works in concert with the appropriate MSU Extension Institute and/or work teams to ensure alignment of programs with overall goals of work team, Institute and organization.

•         Promote and strengthen 4-H Youth programs through 4-H clubs, after school programs, short term/special interest programs, planned youth mentoring, and/or school enrichment efforts.

•         Identify, recruit, select, train and assist volunteers to teach and advise youth in these programs and activities.

•         Ensures that MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process procedures are followed prior to engaging volunteers in program activities.

•         Help local 4-H volunteers reach and involve the youth and families with non-formal “learning by doing” experiences, including youth and adults from diverse backgrounds.

•         Plan, organize, implement and evaluate youth development programs that are relevant to the needs of county residents. Utilize program development committees and advisory committees to identify needs and opportunities and carry out programming.

•         Operates somewhat independently, with minimal supervision, ensuring that program delivery follows established guidelines and meets the goals set for the program statewide and locally.

•         Attend and act in an advisory capacity at 4-H Leaders’ Council and other program committee meetings, supporting volunteers and members, assisting in coordination of county-wide projects and insuring that all MSU Extension and 4-H policies are followed.

•         Represent MSU Extension in activities, meetings, etc. in a manner that reflects collegial connection with the community, the research and knowledge of the University, and the goodwill of MSU Extension.

•         Assist and advise local 4-H groups in securing and managing funds to support 4-H youth work. Provide training about appropriate financial management to councils, committees, clubs, etc.

•         Provide information and opportunities for learning through the use of technology, mass media, group meetings, workshops and individual contacts.

•         Provide local leadership in strengthening public understanding that 4-H is for all youth.

•         Reach a diverse audience through traditional and newly developed programs.

•         Inform supervisor of all proposed, newly implemented and existing 4-H programs and activities as to progress, objectives, target dates, problems encountered, etc.

•         Prepare county 4-H youth program development plan, annual report (ES-237) and other necessary reports in cooperation with the supervisor and, as appropriate, with other professional and support staff, respecting format and due date procedures.

•         Actively participate in a variety of professional development opportunities to attain and retain program knowledge and delivery skills.

•         Report any concerns or matters regarding inappropriate youth-adult interaction to the supervisor and/or Institute Director immediately upon learning of the matter.

•         Oversee and manage financial resources related to this program.

•         Has an understanding and commitment to equal access and opportunity and to diversity and inclusivity.

•         Understands and implements Civil Rights policies and compliance regarding the availability of 4-H Youth programs and activities.

•         Initiate efforts to expand Extension programs to the unreached, including limited resource families, youth, minorities and the disabled.

•         Other duties as assigned.

Works under the direction of the Extension Educator.

N/A

•         Bachelor’s degree required.

•         Two (2) years of experience in both program management in 4-H or other youth development program.

•         Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

•         Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.

•         Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.             

•         Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly;  communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

·         Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.                

·         Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.              

·         Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.                                     

·         Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.                                                                        

·         Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.     

·         Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.

·         Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.                                             

·         Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.

·         Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction

·         Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.  Proficiency may be tested.      

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check.  The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and occasional long distance travel required.

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 with or without accommodations.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

·         Speak to others to convey information effectively.

·         Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.

·         Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.

·         Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.

·         Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.

·         Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.

·         Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

·         Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.

·         Stand and walk, climb stairs.

·         The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.