Recruitment and Selection of Volunteers and UME Faculty/Staff for
State 4-H Coach, Advisor, and Chaperone Positions
Maryland families trust the University of Maryland Extension to provide educational programs and experiences in a safe
environment for participating youth. Adults who accept leadership positions within UME have the opportunity for a
rewarding experience. This opportunity to work with young people is a privileged position. We want to ensure that there
are equal opportunities for qualified volunteers and staff to take on these leadership roles. Therefore, in order to serve in a
state team/delegation coach/chaperone/advisor position, volunteers and staff will agree to commit to serve a two-year term
with an annual reappointment to the leadership role. At the end of each two-year term the position will become open and
new applications will be accepted. The State 4-H Program Leader makes final determinations on appointments.
Qualifications
Applicants must be:
• 21 years or older.
• If the position requires driving a rental vehicle, applicant must be at least age 25
• A UME volunteer or faculty/staff member in good standing
• Willing to work with persons of diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
Applicants must have:
• Knowledge and skills related to the project area and/or experience
• See Position Description for specific skills and knowledge desired/required
• Experience in teaching, coaching, and working with young people
• Written and verbal communication skills appropriate to the duties of the position
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and age/experience to drive vehicles necessary for the activity
Applicants must be willing and able to:
• Be conscientious, reliable, and responsible
• Organize, coordinate, implement and evaluate the educational experience as it relates to the
expectations in the Position Description
• Model, support, and enforce 4-H Behavioral Expectations, University and UME policies, ethical
procedures and practices, and event rules
• Confidently and ethically manage unexpected incidents and events
• Apply sound decision-making skills and safety standards in a variety of situations
• Budget, allocate, manage, and document funds
• Complete financial reports in an accurate and timely manner
• Submit all required paperwork to the State 4-H Office and Maryland 4-H Foundation by established
due dates
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The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual
orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
2/2016
Selectees must commit to:
• Attend and participate in required orientations, practices, and trainings
• Provide leadership for youth orientation, practices, and training
• Plan, implement, and evaluate practices, trainings, and procedures
• Assist with fundraising to support program activities, as needed
• Complete other duties as assigned by the State 4-H Specialist or Coordinator responsible
for the activity
• Provide a final report of program results, finances and evaluations to Maryland 4-H Center within
10 (ten) working days of returning from the trip
To Apply
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Review the position description
• Can be found at http://extension.umd.edu/4-h/volunteers/volunteer-opportunities
Complete application and provide:
• Contact information for two references (Volunteer applicants only)
• Copy of front and back of current driver’s license
• Proof of automotive liability insurance
Obtain verification/approval of application
• Volunteers – County Extension Educator/Staff, verifying volunteer status
• UME Faculty/Staff – Supervisor’s approval
Submit application to State 4-H Office by due date
Selection Criteria
Coaches, advisors, and chaperones will be selected using a review process. The following items will be
considered:
• Timeliness of application (complete and submitted by due date)
• Results of interview
• Reports of references and results of public records checks
• Ratio of adults to youth
• Maryland 4-H standards: minimum 1 adult to 10 youth
• Supervision requirements for event or contest
• Gender composition of youth team/delegation
• Special needs of youth team/delegation or other adults
• Physical, emotional, mental challenges or needs
• Ability to carry out emergency incident/accident procedures
• Position qualifications as they relate to the applicant
• Availability and ability to commit time and energy
• Duties defined by position description
• Rotation of new and/or experienced personnel into positions
• Evaluation of previous performance in coach/advisor/chaperone roles, if applicable
• Budget and funding availability
• Maryland 4-H will follow best practices for personnel management including equal
opportunity for all
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The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual
orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
2/2016
Selection Process
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Position descriptions are reviewed, updated, and posted
• Available online via State 4-H website or through county 4-H Educator
Application is submitted
• Volunteer applicants must obtain 4-H Educator verification
• UME faculty/staff applicants must obtain supervisor’s approval
Review of application and supporting documentation
Applicant interview with State 4-H Specialist/Coordinator(s) responsible for program area
Check of references and public records
Recommendations to State 4-H Leader
State 4-H Leader makes final selection and appointment
Maryland 4-H will provide to selected personnel:
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Position description, appointment letter, and contract
Training as appropriate to position
• UME and Maryland 4-H Policies and Procedures
• Duties and responsibilities of coach/advisor/chaperone
• Project/experience-specific topics
Resources for program/experience preparation, as appropriate (training materials, etc)
Financial sponsorship for travel and participation (through Maryland 4-H Foundation)
Travel arrangements, event registrations, and financial support for event/experience
Administrative support
Evaluation and recognition
Position Description:
Each position has its own detailed position description. Request these from your county/city extension office, the
Maryland 4-H Center, or download from the Maryland 4-H website at http://extension.umd.edu/4h/volunteers/volunteer-opportunities. All volunteers and UME faculty/staff are required to complete an
application to be considered for a positions.
Inability or Failure to Fulfill Duties:
The State 4-H Leader reserves the right to rescind appointments. If at any time a coach/advisor/ chaperone is
unable to or fails to fulfill duties as described in this policy document, the applicable position description, and the
appointment agreement/contract, s/he may be removed from the position.
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The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual
orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
2/2016