Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
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In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.
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:
Provide direct instruction and leadership for Hillsdale County 4-H STEAM Programs serving youth in middle school during the school year (September through May).
Using the 4-H positive youth development model and experiential learning approach, the Program Worker will deliver hands-on STEAM educational experiences that build life skills, encourage youth voice and leadership, foster belonging, and spark curiosity through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics learning opportunities.
Responsibilities include planning and facilitating educational lessons and activities; preparing materials and supplies; maintaining attendance and program records; supporting positive youth-adult partnerships; and creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.
Educational programming will focus on 4-H STEAM curriculum and activities designed to increase youth engagement, curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and career exploration. The Program Worker will use the 4-H "learn by doing" approach to help youth build confidence, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The employee will encourage youth leadership, decision-making, and active participation through age-appropriate opportunities for youth voice and choice.
The Program Worker will prepare for and deliver lessons using established 4-H STEAM curriculum, maintain attendance and evaluation records, conduct program follow-up activities, and assist with reporting requirements associated with the Hillsdale County Community Foundation grant.
Responsibilities may include supporting volunteer involvement, communicating with school personnel and families, promoting participation in additional 4-H opportunities, and assisting youth in exploring continued engagement through local 4-H clubs, camps, and county-wide activities.
Additional responsibilities include assisting with family engagement activities, supporting program recruitment and retention efforts, collecting attendance and evaluation data, maintaining program records, and contributing to grant reporting requirements.
The Program Worker will assist in ensuring 4-H programs are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for youth of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
Participation in periodic meetings with Michigan State University Extension staff and Hillsdale County Community Foundation representatives may be required to share program updates, outcomes, and impact data.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience teaching, mentoring, coaching, or leading educational programs for youth.
- Ability to engage youth of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities in hands-on learning experiences.
- Understanding of positive youth development principles and youth-centered teaching practices.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. •
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with MSU Extension staff, schools, volunteers, and community partners.
- Experience with 4-H Youth Development, afterschool programming, education, recreation, camp programs, childcare, or other youth-serving organizations preferred.
- Experience facilitating STEAM or experiential learning activities preferred.
- Experience collecting attendance, evaluation, or program outcome data preferred.
- 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.
- 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 will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizen
