Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
This is a temporary or on-call position. Provides assistance and support for education, health and human needs, the environment and/or public safety as part of the National AmeriCorps volunteer program. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.
Unit Position Summary
Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:
- We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
- We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
- We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
- We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
- We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
- We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
- We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
- We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
- Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.
Position Summary:
Make a difference in the lives of Michigan youth! MSU Extension is seeking part-time AmeriCorps members to join the 4-H HealthCorps team. Members will teach youth ages 8–18 about mental and emotional wellness through classroom lessons and community workshops. This statewide program focuses on promoting social-emotional health and preventing substance use. Members will serve 28-32 hours per week from October 2026 to September 2027, receive training and support, continual professional development, living stipend, and an education award that can pay off most student loans or tuition. Positions are housed at pre-selected MSU Extension offices across Michigan.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY
AmeriCorps member in this role will teach youth, 8-18, about health living using the program's approved curriculum. They will do this in two main ways:
1. By organizing and leading short term clubs, called 4-H SPIN clubs, based on what youth are interested in and,
2. By teaching healthy lifestyles lessons in schools using approved curriculum.
Tasks to accomplish this include:
- Plan and lead 4-H SPIN clubs. Clubs will include fun activities/themes that match youth interest and use the AmeriCorps Program's approved curriculum to guide healthy lifestyles education.
- Teach healthy lifestyle lessons in area schools. There is a possibility that member may help create new partnerships with schools and assist with scheduling. However, most lesson series will be coordinated by MSUE staff.
- Recruit youth who are new to 4-H to join members SPIN clubs.
- Possibility to attend family events where member will support healthy lifestyles activities so families can learn about the mental, emotional, and physical health programming county office offers.
- Collect and report data each month using MSU Extension's system. This includes participant surveys, attendance, and written narratives.
- Possibility to earn certifications in the mental health field along with one-on-one career coaching.
- Attend training twice a month with the 4-H HealthCorps cohort. Members will also take part in other AmeriCorps, 4-H, MSU Extension events and trainings as needed ( up to 20% of total hours).
Positions will be housed at local MSU Extension offices. Please see list of counties within this post to see which locations you're interested in applying to. Most service will be in person, but some training may happen online.
Members will have office space, a computer, and supplies. Training and support will be provided, but members should be comfortable using technology and willing to learn new tools. MSU Extension uses programs like Teams, Zoom, and Outlook to stay connected, and members will be expected to use these.
Members will work with the community and may sometimes serve during evenings or weekends. They will get regular feedback to support their growth and learning.
Desired Qualifications
- Passion for for mental, emotional and physical well being.
- Knowledge of youth development, volunteer recruitment and management.
- Outgoing, confident and able to work in a fast-paced hybrid (virtual and in-person) environment
- Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
- Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
- Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
- Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
- Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
- Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
- Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
- Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
Required application materials:
Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants
