TITLE: State Specialist in Child and Family Relations

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Department

REPORTS TO: Family and Consumer Sciences Program Leader

EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will Remain Open until Filled

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: The State Specialist in Child and Family Relations at the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (CEP), and College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Sciences (CACS) will provide leadership under the direction of the Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) Program Leader for developing, and implementing, statewide Child and Family Relations educational programming.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The State Specialist in Child and Family Relations is a member of the FCS team and will work directly with county based agents and staff. This position will provide educational programs at the state level in collaboration with the FCS Program Leader. The successful candidate is expected to: 1) develop nationally recognized Extension programs related to family and consumer sciences, specifically Child and Family Relations 2) develop factsheets, peer reviewed journal articles, and informational sheets; 3) successfully write grants for external funding to support Extension efforts and FCS programming; 4) demonstrate a commitment to working with minority and limited resource populations to solve problems; 5) design specific educational materials for hard to reach minority and underserved populations; 6) work with stakeholders and community organizations; 7) contribute to the multi-functional, land-grant mission of the CACS through outreach, and engagement efforts with community stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Program development and/or delivery related to family and consumer sciences, specifically in child and family relations.
• Using various technology platforms for the creation and dissemination of educational webinars, on-line classes, and educational video productions.
• Develop educational programs related to child development, intergenerational relationships, multicultural families, adolescents and emerging adults, caregiving, aging and parenting education.
• Develop grants for external funding to support Extension efforts and FCS programming.
• Development of extension publications (factsheets, informational sheets etc.) and other materials to support FCS extension programming.
• Coordinate, plan, conduct, and evaluate in-service trainings for county Extension professionals, in cooperation with leadership teams and specialists.
• Develop and make presentations for agent training and workshops related to family and consumer sciences, specifically personal/family resource management to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt well to changing priorities, situations and day-to-day demands.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to effectively work with diverse populations.
• Must possess writing, communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to continue personal professional development.
• Evidence of ability to build and maintain relationships and work effectively with clientele, advisory groups, and other professionals, etc.
• Share research-based results with stakeholders through Extension programs, journal articles, and fact sheets.
• Demonstrated competency and effective use of computing and computer-based communications technology.
• Demonstrated leadership ability in designing, promoting, presenting and evaluating educational programs and the desire to program to reach diverse audiences.

OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies, Human Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, or similar degree area.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Extension program development process, evaluation, and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Understanding of the Cooperative Extension Strategic Plan and mission.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires some standing or walking.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Extensive travel required.

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. The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.