Extension Assistant

Cornell Human Ecology explores the complexity of human life. We bring together a range of perspectives to understand the full context of the human experience and improve lives at every scale, from cells to society. Our research and academic programs focus on the interaction of humans with their biological, economic, social, and physical environments. Using Cornell's far-reaching extension network and the college's translational research methods, we deliver our findings directly to communities and families, ensuring that our work reaches those who need it most.

The ACT for Youth Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Center of Excellence (ACT CYSHCN COE) is housed in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), which is located within Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology. The BCTR mission is to improve professional and public efforts to understand and deal with risk and protective factors in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities that affect family strength, child wellbeing, and youth development. Translational research, as defined by the College and the BCTR, is the systematic application of research findings into the development of innovative interventions, practices, and policies that may ultimately improve health and well-being. The knowledge derived from these interventions feeds future research.

The goal of the ACT CYSHCN COE is to increase the flow of information and use of evidence-based practices between New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Local Health Departments (LHDs), communities, and families/caregivers of children and youth with special health care needs across New York State. This work is done through positive youth development approach, promoting child/adolescent well-being by connecting research to practice. ACT for Youth connects youth development research to practice and offers guidance to adults who care about the well-being of young people.

   

Our Mission 

The ACT (Assets Coming Together) for Youth Center for Community Action promotes positive youth outcomes and works to reduce risky behavior among youth by advancing the principles of positive youth development and supporting the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based programming.

What You Will Do

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

The Extension Assistant will provide support to the ACT for Youth Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Center of Excellence (ACT CYSHCN COE), an initiative funded by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). ACT for Youth works with communities, families, and youth-serving organizations across the state to promote the health and well-being of children and adolescents. The Extension Assistant will work closely with the Director of the CYSHCN COE, the Training Coordinator, the Family Engagement Specialist, and the Evaluation Coordinator to support our work with local health departments and the NYS DOH to strengthen services to children and youth with special health care needs and their families. The successful candidate will work closely with the project team on program planning, implementation, and evaluation; database and information management; data synthesis; and creating educational and other translational research products. This role requires communication with collaborators both on and off campus. Duties will include assistance with developing new materials, program documentation, project reports, event scheduling and logistics, and reviewing and summarizing youth development research to related to current issues and best practices for serving the needs of young people. This position will involve some NYS travel for needs assessments, meetings, and listening sessions.

The successful Extension Assistant will embody teamwork, clear communication, adaptability, and a dedication to supporting youth with special health care needs through program planning and creating helpful resources. You will be joining a dynamic team where collaboration thrives and colleagues support one another, creating a positive and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and innovation. We are looking for candidates who not only bring the right skills but also value teamwork and team spirit.

Required Qualifi