Area Agent Family & Consumer Sciences

TITLE: Area Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension

REPORTS TO: Regional Extension Director (EKY) 

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Area Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) is a community-based professional of Kentucky State University who connects identified community needs with University resources and research-based educational programming. The position will serve as the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, and Rowan Counties and will develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs designed to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

The Area Agent will conduct Extension programming based on locally identified needs and in alignment with Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension priorities. Programming may address areas such as family development and management, child development, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, financial literacy and resource management, parenting, consumer education, and other Family and Consumer Sciences-related topics. The successful candidate will establish and maintain effective relationships with community members, local organizations, governmental agencies, partner organizations, volunteers, and University faculty and staff.

The position will work collaboratively with the Family and Consumer Sciences Program Leader and other Extension personnel to develop and deliver educational programs and resources. The position will also support the land-grant mission of Kentucky State University through community outreach, engagement, applied education, and dissemination of research-based information.

The Area Agent will be based at an assigned Kentucky State University Extension office or other designated University work location and will regularly travel throughout Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, and Rowan Counties to provide programming, attend community meetings, conduct site visits, and engage with stakeholders. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at the assigned University work location and other designated work sites is an essential function of the position. This position is not eligible for routine remote work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Develop, implement, and evaluate research-based Family and Consumer Sciences educational programs in response to identified needs within Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, and Rowan Counties.Conduct educational programs through a variety of methods, including face-to-face classes, workshops, presentations, demonstrations, experiential learning, group facilitation, digital education, and other appropriate outreach strategies.Assess the needs of individuals, families, and communities within the assigned service area and use that information to develop responsive Extension programming.Develop and maintain advisory groups, community partnerships, and other mechanisms that facilitate community involvement and provide input into Extension programming.Provide educational programming and resources related to Family and Consumer Sciences, which may include family resource management, financial management, nutrition, healthy lifestyles, child development, parenting, consumer education, and related areas.Collaborate with the Family and Consumer Sciences Program Leader, Extension faculty, area and county Extension personnel, and other University partners to develop and strengthen programming.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local community organizations, governmental agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and other partners to identify needs and develop collaborative programming opportunities.Develop and disseminate Extension publications, educational materials, presentations, newsletters, digital content, and other resources to support community education and outreach.Utilize appropriate communication and technology platforms, including websites, social media, electronic communications, and other digital resources, to promote Extension programs and distribute educational information.Develop outreach strategies that effectively engage underserved, limited-resource, and hard-to-reach individuals, families, and communities within the assigned service area.Maintain accurate records of program participation, activities, partnerships, and outcomes and submit required reports in accordance with Kentucky Extension reporting requirements and University procedures.Collect and document evidence of program impact and use evaluation results to improve programming, communicate outcomes, and demonstrate the value of Extension services.Participate in professional development activities, conferences, workshops, meetings, and other opportunities that enhance subject-matter knowledge and Extension effectiveness.Represent Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension at community, professional, civic, and other appropriate events.Support the land-grant mission of Kentucky State University through outreach, engagement, applied education, and dissemination of research-based information.Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences principles and practices and their application to individuals, families, and communities.Knowledge of educational and outreach methods appropriate for diverse audiences.Knowledge of research-based educational resources and the land-grant university mission and Extension system.Ability to assess community needs and translate identified needs into effective educational programs.Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community members, University personnel, partner organizations, volunteers, and other stakeholders.Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.Ability to use Microsoft Office and other technology and communication platforms to support programming, documentation, outreach, and reporting.Ability to use social media, websites, electronic communications, and other digital platforms to support Extension programming and outreach.Strong organizational, time-management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a collaborative Extension team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. 

OTHER DUTIES: 

Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Development and Family Studies, Human Nutrition, Consumer Economics, Child Development, or a closely related field is required.A master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Development and Family Studies, Human Nutrition, Child Development, Consumer Economics, or a closely related field is preferred.Previous experience in Extension, community education, family and consumer sciences, human services, education, community development, or a closely related area is preferred.Experience developing, delivering, or evaluating educational programs is preferred.Experience working with diverse populations and community-based organizations is preferred.Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required. 

Licensing and Certifications:

A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for official University travel are required.Additional professional certifications may be required or preferred based on the specific area of Family and Consumer Sciences programming assigned to the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position requires regular travel throughout Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, and Rowan Counties and occasional in-state and out-of-state travel for professional development, conferences, meetings, and other University or Extension activities.Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at the assigned Kentucky State University Extension office or other designated University work location is required. The position also requires regular travel to community locations, program sites, partner organizations, meetings, and other locations within the assigned service area.Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on program and community needs.The position may require extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, driving, and participation in community-based educational activities.The position may require lifting, carrying, or moving educational materials, supplies, equipment, and other items weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.The position may involve working outdoors or in varying environmental conditions during community events, demonstrations, site visits, and other Extension activities.The position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and travel independently throughout the assigned service area, sometimes under adverse weather or road conditions.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.