Position Summary, 4-H Tech Wizards Program Assistant
This is a Part-time, (.75) 10-month, fixed term position.
4-H helps young people learn and grow through an intentional process that builds
competence, confidence, connection, compassion, and character. Through their
participation, young people reach their full potential as members of families,
communities, and society. This mission is accomplished through the work of
volunteers, parents, and professionals who organize and conduct learning
experiences in club, school, and community settings.
This program assistant is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of a
portfolio of learning experiences for young people focusing on science, engineering,
and technology. The purpose of these efforts is to pique interest in science careers,
build scientific literacy, foster positive youth development, and support the pursuit
of postsecondary education. Programming is expected to reach across community
and cultural barriers to engage youth traditionally underrepresented in science
careers, especially Latinos.
The Oregon 4-H Youth Development Program reaches more than 150,000 young
people annually through out-of school, after-school, and in-school programming. 4H faculty provide oversight to a broad array of programs which involve minors,
animals, and firearms. Some 4-H experiences involve transportation of members in
motor vehicles and overnight accommodations. 4-H faculty are also required to
assure compliance with Federal and state regulations related to fund-raising,
taxation, and the nonprofit status of 4-H and affiliated organizations. 4-H faculty are
expected to use proven practices in youth development education, such as inquirybased training and experiential learning, to ensure that programs are of high quality
and produce their intended outcomes.
It is the responsibility of this program assistant to design, develop, maintain and/or
carry out Extension programs to insure that all people have equal employment
opportunities and equal program participation opportunities regardless of their
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national
origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran's status.
10% - Assist in program Development and Evaluation:
Work cooperatively with program coordinator to gather community input regarding
program needs.
Assist in the design, develop, identify or select curricula and educational materials
which facilitate achievement of program objectives.
Communicates with program coordinator on a weekly basis concerning site or
individual issues or new projects;
Qualifications
70% - Program Management:
Recruit, train, and support community volunteers that support program
implementation.
Utilize engagement strategies and program models appropriate for the intended
audience.
Facilitate and/or lead classes, workshops, and other learning experience focused on
science, engineering, technology, and new media.
Establish and maintain professional relationships and or memberships with
appropriate professional associations, organizations and public agencies.
Forms a strong collaboration with the partner organizations, which includes signing
written agreements that outline the program parameters and expectations among
the partners and appropriate officials representing each of them;
Acts as liaison between organizations supplying the mentors, volunteer and the
mentees/participants;
Provides guidance to mentors and children to ensure that both have an enriching
alter-school experience;
Organizes orientation sessions that outline goals, procedures and current events for
both parents, volunteers and participants;
Assists with participant screening, training, matching, support, supervision,
recognition and closure activities for mentors and children;
Plans and promotes the kickoff event and ensures that mentors, parents and
children are aware of event particulars;
Maintains records of attendance and outcomes for mentors and mentees. Notifies
mentors when mentees will not be present during sessions or vice versa;
Organizes initial and ongoing support and training sessions for mentors and
mentees;
Creates and oversees implementation of ongoing marketing and mentor recruitment
plans;
Prepares and provides training materials for mentor training events;
Distributes all activity packets and fliers for program events to mentors;
Plans trips and group activities, including a culminating event at the end of the
school year; and
10% - Communication and Marketing:
Communicate program plans through annual plans of work and share program
results through periodic reports. Network with other agencies and program
providers that serve the youth and families of Washington County which will
require travel.
Provide processes to facilitate active communication to and among program
participants, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
5% - Professional Development:
Establish and maintain professional relationships and or memberships with
appropriate professional associations, organizations and public agencies.
Forms a strong collaboration with the partner organizations, which includes signing
written agreements that outline the program parameters and expectations among
the partners and appropriate officials representing each of them;
Minimum Qualifications
Typically requires Bachelor's degree in field appropriate to the work assigned; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in youth development, education, science, engineering,
technology, or a closely related field. Demonstrated teaching, written, and oral
communication skills including the effective use of new media technologies and
mass media.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and
delegate details associated with program and office management.
Ability to fluently speak and translate English and Spanish.
Knowledge and experience working with Latino youth and families in a culturally
appropriate manner.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Safety/Working Conditions
The Incumbent must be able to carry and lift equipment or teaching materials up to
40 lbs.
Incumbent must successfully complete a criminal background check prior to
beginning employment at OSU.
Vehicle access and current driver license is required. Travel is necessary due to the
combination of office and field work.