Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
Position Description
Overview
Virginia Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents take a holistic approach to the development of programming that is designed to improve the well-being of Virginia residents. They plan, deliver and evaluate research-based educational programs. Programming is tied to community needs and directed toward families and individuals. The position requires a service mentality and a balance between process skills and subject matter expertise.
Specialty Areas
- Nutrition/Wellness
- Family Financial Education
- Family and Human Development
Major Responsibilities
- Partner and collaborate with VCE agents, agencies, nonprofit and other organizations and the public to meet the educational needs of local residents.
- Develop and deliver objective and research-based educational programs in one of the above specialty areas to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
- Determine program needs by monitoring trends and issues, involving Extension Leadership Councils and other leadership groups, including interagency and collaborative bodies.
- Determine program goals and objectives and identify needed financial and human resources.
- Utilize various media effectively to inform clientele of program activities through effective promotion and marketing practices and tools.
- Serve as a liaison to other extension agents for meeting the educational needs of local residents that fall outside the specialty/content area of the individual FCS agent.
- Use appropriate technologies to plan and deliver educational programs through workshops, seminars, conferences, media, one-on-one visits, field trips, tours and other methods.
- Maintain knowledge of current research information in one of the specialty areas.
- Use computer applications appropriate to the subject-matter being delivered and the collecting of data for reporting purposes
- Develop and implement evaluation plans for key programs.
- Report impacts, outcomes to clientele, public, administrators and other key stakeholders.
- Maintain and foster relationships with the public and key stakeholders.
- Identify and attract resources to support the delivery of programming.
Required Educational Qualifications
All applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas: Family and Consumer Sciences, Foods/Nutrition and Health, Dietetics, Health and Wellness, Family/Child Development, Financial Management, Resource Management, Family Economics, Family/Human Development, Child Development, Gerontology, Education, or a relevant discipline. A Master’s degree is preferred. A master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.
Other Qualifications
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to recruit, train and manage volunteers.
- Experience in developing positive interactions with the public.
- Experience in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs.