Extension Program Assistant, Family & Consumer Sciences, Cocke County: UTIA

The Extension Program Assistant will work up to 32 hours a week focusing on Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educational programming. This position is responsible to the County Extension Director and will work under the direction of the lead FCS Agent to implement approved educational programs in group settings for youth and adult audiences.

• Plan, execute and evaluate adult Family and Consumer Sciences educational programs.
• Assessing the health and wellness needs of the Cocke County community
• Conduct programming in the following areas:
  • Nutrition education for families & seniors
  • Nutrition education for youth grades 3rd-8th
  • Physical activity/health classes
  • Chronic conditions
  • Culinary demonstrations
  • Food safety and grocery budgeting education for adults, families, and seniors
  • Other programs as deemed necessary by lead agent, county director, and/or community needs assessment
• Conduct community health and nutrition outreach events.
• Establish, maintain, and engage with social media campaigns for health & wellness.
• Collaborate with established community partners and resources to expand FCS program reach.
• Attend relevant trainings and remain current on scientific research pursuant to position.
• Document positive behavior change and measure success metrics related to health, nutrition, & wellness.
• Secure and train volunteer leaders and serve as an educational resource for the Family and Consumer Sciences programs within the county.
• Meet with, advise and train leaders of organized Family and Consumer Sciences groups, including Family and Community Education Clubs.
• Responsible to the County Extension Director and must keep current on the latest research information in Family and Consumer Sciences.
• Provide leadership for a program of activities that meets the needs of all eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or veteran status.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience: Two to three years of related experience desired
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills needed
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and Word Perfect.
  • Teaching skills with youth and/or adults
• Successful applicant must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license
• Clear background check will be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Associate’s Degree
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Teaching experience

Work Location:

Onsite at the UT Extension Cocke County office in Newport, TN.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About UT Extension:

UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. With an office in every Tennessee county, UT Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information to citizens throughout the state. In cooperation with Tennessee State University, UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities, to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!