Community Health Extension Associate

TITLE: Community Health Extension Associate

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resource/ Cooperative Extension Program

REPORTS TO: State Specialist for Health Systems

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: Frankfort, KY, USA or Louisville, KY, USA

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Community Health Extension Associate supports Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Program through the development, delivery, and evaluation of community-based health and wellness programs that address priority health issues in Kentucky. This position works collaboratively with Extension Specialists, faculty, community partners, and agencies to deliver research-based health education in areas such as nutrition, disease prevention, mental health, and community health system strengthening. The Associate will also work to integrate opportunities for health-related education and workforce development initiatives including those related to the Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields into the broader portfolio of extension programming. This position contributes to statewide Extension efforts by engaging youth, families, and communities in experiential learning that promotes innovation, healthy living, and lifelong learning.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate, deliver, and evaluate hands-on health-related programs, workshops, and outreach events for youth and adult audiences (such as EXCITE, MANRRS, etc.).
• Integrate health education (nutrition, disease prevention, wellness) into extension programming.
• Adapt program content to meet the cultural and educational needs of diverse audiences.
• Represent Kentucky State University Extension at community events, fairs, and local programs.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, nonprofits, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with developing digital content, outreach materials, and educational resources.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify community priorities related to STEAM and health.
• Support program evaluation by collecting data, analyzing outcomes, and preparing reports.
• Assist with writing program summaries, impact statements, and contributions for Extension reports.
• Assist with maintaining program supplies, records, and outreach materials.
• Support fiscal accountability by tracking program-related expenses and resources.
• Contribute to grant-writing and reporting efforts as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of STEAM education and community health principles.
• Ability to design and deliver engaging, hands-on educational activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking and facilitation.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including youth, adults, and underserved communities.
• Skill in organizing programs, events, and community partnerships.
• Proficiency with technology tools for program delivery, reporting, and outreach.
• Ability to collect and analyze program data for evaluation and reporting.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. May provide guidance to interns, volunteers, or student assistants.

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Support other Cooperative Extension initiatives and special projects as requested.
• Participate in Extension team meetings, trainings, and statewide initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Public Health, Community Development, STEAM-related discipline, or a closely related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in Extension, education, youth development, or community program coordination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in both STEAM and health education.

Licensing and Certifications:

None required.

WORKING CONDITIONS: