PAY GRADE: 29E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Cooperative Extension is an outreach branch of the University of Delaware. For over a century, Extension research and education programs connect the public with university knowledge, research, and resources to address the needs of youth, families, businesses, and communities. Cooperative Extension works in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; lawn and garden; 4-H youth development; and health and well-being. These programs are aimed at improving the quality of life through the transfer of research-based information to program participants.

This position supports the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE), coordinated by the Extension Foundation. Under the general direction of the Community Health Specialist (Health & Well-being Program Leader), the Extension Agent will use and adapt existing EXCITE curriculum to conduct health literacy programming in rural and suburban/urban communities across Delaware, the eastern and central portions of Maryland, and occasionally, the southeastern portions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Approximately 50% of this person’s time will be spent on direct education efforts. Other efforts will focus on providing professional development to other Extension and community health educators in the region on integrated health literacy curricula; developing and maintaining community, state, and regional partnerships; and professional development and program evaluation and reporting efforts. This position is based in New Castle County, Delaware.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with groups at the community, state, and regional levels.
• Working with the Health & Well-being Program Leader and Communications Team, develop and distribute marketing materials for health literacy programs to recruit participants.
• Conduct direct adult education on health literacy topics, including education on immunizations, to diverse populations across the DE-MD region.
• Work with the Health & Well-being program leader to address challenges in programming and adapt curricula, as needed.
• Educate other extension professionals, volunteers, and community health workers across the region on health literacy curricula that integrate immunization education.
• Using the tools provided, evaluate the effectiveness of health literacy programs and report outputs and outcomes through online platforms and impact stories.
• Work with and attend regularly scheduled meetings with the Extension Foundation and the cohort of EXCITE professionals across the northeast region.
• Develop and maintain professional competence through participation in educational meetings, seminars, and workshops locally, statewide, and nationally.
• Must follow affirmative action and equal opportunity guidelines to ensure equal access to Extension programs.
• Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and two years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in health sciences, community health, health promotion, public health, health coaching is preferred.
• Experience planning, marketing, and delivering health education programs. Training or knowledge around health literacy or immunization education topics preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational and program management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with the ability to interact well with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively motivate and teach on an individual and/or group basis with a variety of audiences and education levels.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of all cultures, with the ability to design programs that are culturally sensitive and relevant.
• Awareness of program evaluation techniques and ability to report outputs and outcomes and write impact stories.
• Strong computer skills and comfort with digital means for outreach.

Special Requirements:

• Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation are required along with a willingness to travel the DE-MD region, including occasionally to southeastern NJ or PA. Additional travel to meet with the regional EXCITE cohort and the National Health Outreach and Engagement Conference each year is also required.