County Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Science

University of Arkansas•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Science conducts practical, community-based educational programs to empower individuals, families, and communities in nutrition, family well-being, health, food safety, and economic self-sufficiency. The agent works with broad audiences and local volunteers to encourage support and participation throughout the county. The role requires understanding the county’s social, economic, and political characteristics and serving as a liaison with community leaders, agencies, and governments, while maintaining working knowledge of Arkansas Extension programs. The agent develops and carries out an annual action plan based on identified community issues and personal observations; plans and delivers educational programs, demonstrations, and activities; and shares information with county government leaders, organizations, and stakeholders. The agent uses Extension specialists and research-based information to develop programs across Family and Consumer Sciences priority areas, and responds to clientele inquiries with tailored, research-based recommendations. The position advises Extension Homemaker Club (EHC) officers, boards, and members when a county EHC program exists, and supports county 4-H programming, including FCS education, competitive-event training, volunteer development, and fundraising. The agent evaluates program impact, communicates results, maintains civil-rights compliance and accurate records, and submits monthly reports. The position also collaborates with colleagues and community partners, builds networks of supporters and volunteers, maintains professional knowledge through training, follows Division policies and procedures, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences, education, youth development, or a related field, conferred by the date of hire; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience.
Knowledge of family and consumer sciences subject matter relevant to the assigned county.
Ability to plan and conduct programs and work with clientele regardless of legally protected status.
Ability to speak and write clearly and communicate ideas effectively.
Ability to work long and irregular hours and travel frequently.
Reliable transportation for work use and liability insurance in effect.
Successful completion of the standard background check, including the Arkansas Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Check.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Responsibilities

Maintain knowledge of the county’s social, economic, and political characteristics and serve as a liaison with community leaders, agencies, and governments.
Maintain current working knowledge of Arkansas Extension programs.
Develop and execute an annual action plan based on issues identified by programmatic subcommittees and personal observations.
Plan, deliver, and teach educational programs, demonstrations, and activities that address county clientele needs.
Provide opportunities for program participation at county, district, and state levels, and share educational information with government leaders, community organizations, and stakeholders.
Use Extension specialists and research-based information to design, implement, and teach programs across Family and Consumer Sciences priority areas.
Respond to clientele inquiries by phone, email, and in-person office or site visits, providing tailored, research-based recommendations.
Advise county Extension Homemaker Club officers, board, and members where an established EHC program exists; provide unbiased, research-based leader training and support county, district, and state EHC activities.
Support county 4-H programming and activities, including FCS education, competitive-event training, volunteer recruitment and development, and fundraising.
Evaluate the impact of county FCS and 4-H programs and communicate results annually to the county advisory committee, Extension Council where applicable, and county and state government officials.
Ensure compliance with civil-rights requirements, make programs accessible to the public, and maintain records demonstrating compliance.
Complete and submit required monthly reports accurately and consistently.
Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to advance the Extension mission.
Establish and maintain working relationships with Extension staff, clientele, and the public.
Build a network of supporters and volunteers to assist in program delivery.
Maintain knowledge of research-based FCS practices and programs through in-service training, professional development associations, and other appropriate opportunities.
Follow University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or district director.