4-H Youth Development Community Education Specialist - Ukiah, CA, Job ID 84540

About the role

The Community Education Specialist 2 (CES 2) position will be located in the University of California Cooperative Extension Office and will act as a valuable team member of the 4-H Youth Development Program (4-H YDP). 4-H YDP is the largest youth-serving organization in the U.S. Our focus is to provide positive youth development to youth in our community through research-based best practices, community collaborations, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the local 4-H Youth Development Program (YDP) to ensure activities, events, and outreach are implemented safely, consistently, and in alignment with positive youth development principles.

• Ensure that programs are welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the needs of youth and families across all communities.

• Monitor program compliance in line with University and 4-H YD policies and procedures.

• Work with groups of volunteers, youth, and community partners and serve as their direct liaison.

• Provide training and support to community club leaders, project leaders, other volunteers, youth, and community partners using approved materials and curriculum, including (but not limited to) specific curriculum, positive youth development (Thrive), online enrollment systems, and policy.

• Provide feedback to Regional Program Coordinator and Advisor on needs for advanced training.

• Support interested groups in starting new 4-H programs, including chartering new clubs, reviewing and approving documents, and submitting all paperwork to the appropriate individuals.

• Maintain up-to-date understanding of 4-H YD policies and relevant UC ANR policies and ensure timely communication of new or existing 4-H policies, procedures, and enrollment processes to new and returning 4-H youth, volunteers, parents, and community partners.

• Collaborate with 4-H Volunteer Management Organizations and committees. Attend meetings as needed. Aim to ensure a cohesive, diverse volunteer management system.

• Effectively resolve conflict. Provide oversight, review complaints, and follow 4-H Conflict Resolution Policy. Effectively and timely resolve conflict. Keep your RPC (Regional Program Coordinator) informed of all conflicts and complaints. Notify Regional Program Coordinator (RPC) if the complaint escalates and needs higher review. Ensure all needed UC ANR individuals are notified as needed.

• Disseminate 4-H information via the 4-H website, collaborative tools, emails, social media, newsletters, blogs, etc. Be a champion for use of multiple delivery models so that all youth may engage in the 4-H program. Serve as a liaison and communication link to community organizations, including but not limited to local schools, youth-based community organizations, race/ethnic-based community organizations, education-aligned organizations, and local fairs.

• Represent the 4-H YDP in the county. Provide information about the 4-H YDP to the public. Build knowledge and skills in the areas of intercultural development, youth development, youth leadership, development of life skills, and volunteerism.

• Attend and participate in relevant professional development opportunities, virtual webinars, state/regional meetings and trainings, California 4-H State Association meetings and trainings, and monthly state 4-H meetings, including in-person conferences as funding allows.

Requirements

• A minimum associate degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience/training in personnel management, youth development, program management, volunteer management, training professionals, and conducting workshops.
• A minimum associate degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Experience working with diverse communities in a respectful and responsive way that reflects a commitment to serving everyone.
• Demonstrated success in teaching and working with a diverse youth, family, and/or volunteer audience and knowledge in delivering community educational programs.
• Familiarity with community-based agencies and experience collaborating with multiple community organizations.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate departmental and organizational policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
• Good analytical skills to understand how program needs can be addressed through the development and delivery of training programs.
• Good reading, verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Good presentation skills.
• Proficient in use of Windows-based computers with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).