Job Information
University of Maine System Community Education Assistant CL3 - Portland in Portland, Maine
The University of Maine is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Community Education Assistant III to join our team in the 4-H Youth Development program. This role is crucial in supporting and mentoring middle and high school youth through the Maine 4-H Community Central program. The ideal candidate will be passionate about youth development, committed to community engagement, and skilled in providing educational and developmental opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds. A key aspect of this role involves successfully collaborating with community partners to enhance program impact. Part-time, soft-money funded position, 32 hours per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m (specific schedule to be arrange in consultation with the supervisor). This position pays $19.59/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Mentorship and Support: Provide direct mentorship and guidance to middle and high school students involved in the Maine 4-H Community Central program. Foster positive relationships and create a supportive environment that encourages personal growth, development, and academic success for all participants.
Program Implementation: Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of 4-H activities and events. This includes educational workshops, community service projects, and leadership development opportunities tailored to the diverse interests and needs of youth from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Educational Outreach: Deliver engaging educational content and programs that align with 4-H curriculum and goals. Provide instruction in areas such as leadership, STEM, agriculture, and work and life skills, while being mindful of diverse cultural perspectives and experiences.
Community Engagement: Collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and 4-H volunteers to promote program participation and community involvement. Build and maintain strong partnerships with community partners to expand program reach and impact, particularly within underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Diversity and Inclusion: Implement strategies to engage and support youth from a variety of backgrounds, ensuring that programs are inclusive and accessible. Foster an environment that respects and values cultural differences and actively work to address any barriers to participation.
Growing Social and Cultural Capital: Support youth in building social and cultural capital by connecting them with diverse community resources, role models, and opportunities for networking and growth. Encourage participation in activities that broaden their perspectives and enhance their understanding of different cultures and communities.
Administrative Support: Maintain accurate records and files related to program activities, participant progress, and evaluations. Prepare and organize documents and reports for program assessment and improvement.
Providing Instruction: Deliver instruction and facilitate learning experiences in an engaging, accessible, and aligned with the 4-H program's goals. Tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of participants and enhance their educational experiences.
Successful Collaboration with Community Partners: Build and maintain effective working relationships with community partners to enhance program delivery and community engagement. Coordinate with partners to leverage resources, share expertise, and implement collaborative projects that benefit youth participants.
Youth Development: Assist in identifying and addressing the needs and interests of program participants. Provide individualized support to help students set and achieve personal and academic goals, with a focus on fostering resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Professional Development: Stay current with best practices in youth development and 4-H programming. Participate in relevant training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge, particularly in areas related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits (https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/benefits/) for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here (https://www.visitbangormaine.com/about-the-region/the-region-at-a-glance/) .
Qualifications:
Required:
High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
Minimum of 4 years of experience working with youth, preferably in a mentoring or educational capacity.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds.
Proven ability to successfully collaborate with community partners and build effective working relationships.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare detailed reports, and manage documentation effectively.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for diverse populations.
Preferred:
Knowledge of University of Maine Cooperative Extension and its educational programs.
Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software.
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.
Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil rights policies.
With or without reasonable accommodation: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Work Environment / Dynamics: Position will be based in the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension office in Falmouth, Maine, but will primarily be working in Portland, Maine. Travel throughout the county, and some state and regional travel is expected.
Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 pm on January 15th, 2024.
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair: Laura Personette, laura.personette@maine.edu
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Clery Act The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.