Working Title: Extension Educator, Telehealth

Appointment: Full time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), Professional & Administrative

Estimated Salary: $60,000 - $67,000, DOQ

Program Area: Extension Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing

Office Location: Grand Rapids Regional Office in northern Minnesota

Application Deadline: May 10, 2024

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Rural MN lacks timely access to health care and family education in developmental, emotional, and behavioral health. The Extension Educator will be part of a team implementing a new telehealth initiative expanding access to care and support of children and families with developmental, emotional, behavioral health(D/E/B) needs, with special focus on reaching military families. The EE will work closely with grant PI, Jessica Simacek, Director of the ICI-led TeleOutreach Center and the TeleOutreach Research Core at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB). The person in this position will report to the Program Leader for Health and Nutrition, in the Extension department of Family, Health and Wellbeing.

The person in this position will work in the Grand Rapids region to develop a TeleOutreach educational system, in partnership with FHW Department and MIDB, for providers and educators that increases the capacity of providers to meet the needs of geographically dispersed, highly mobile, and military-connected families with children with D/E/B. Additionally, the person in this position will also develop digital resources to support family navigation and timely care access. This work aims to improve access to education, services, and overall outcomes for children and up to transition-age youth of military-connected families with D/E/B needs in Minnesota. The Extension Educator will conduct this work by providing education, forging new relationships and partnerships, training other organizations, supporting and collaborating with stakeholders, and engaging and educating public policy makers. Extension educators are expected to contribute to community-based research, report on annual activities and impacts, and develop an annual professional plan of work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership, Teaching, and Program Management (50%)

• Use an iterative process to design, develop, deliver, implement, and evaluate provider training and technical assistance related to telehealth D/E/B health programs and initiatives. Programs should be based on scholarly and scientific theory and research and exhibit high-level teaching skills for optimal audience engagement and impact.
• Provide digital family navigation support through a pilot research program to support families with children with developmental and behavioral health needs to access the services that they need.
• Provide education and ongoing technical assistance with community partners statewide and nationally.
• Provide program leadership on statewide or national programs, projects, or priorities as assigned for the development of pro-active educational programs using innovative educational methods.
• Serve on the Project ECHO Hub Team, including supporting dissemination about the project, sharing of resources in the community to support rural and/or military-connected families through hosting of an in-person satellite site option in the community.

Public Engagement and Relationship Development (30%)

• Develop and maintain relationships with families and program participants and foster relationships with civilian providers in the Great Plains region.
• Represent UMN Extension and the University with federal, state, and local agencies or partnerships.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences and partnerships.
• Collaborate with other Extension personnel at the county, state, and national level to enhance program delivery.
• Collaborate closely with Twin Cities campus Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain on community engagement related efforts.

Research and Scholarship (20%)

• Develop evidence-based models to support family navigation of resources for their children to build the efficacy and resiliency of highly mobile families.
• Contribute to the development of digital tools and toolkits that increase the capacity of stakeholders to support families with D/E/B needs. Stakeholders include Civilian providers, clinical experts, military families, military family support programs, academic audiences, educators, Defense Health Agency (DHA).
• As part of the Extension scholarship and promotion process, contribute to the field through dissemination of knowledge gained through applied research, program evaluation, or innovative program implementation.
• Seek external resources (e.g., help seek new information/engage with community organizations, etc. not funding) to improve, expand, and support new, innovative program models or approaches to meet community needs.

APPOINTMENT/SALARY/BENEFITS

1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank. The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability funds, and program needs.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator.
3. University of Minnesota full time appointment and benefits. Benefits package available:
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
5. Salary is competitive and commensurate with the professional experience and qualifications. The estimated salary range is $60,000 - $67,000.
6. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
7. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in public health, social work, education/special education or closely related discipline at time of application.
• Demonstrated experience with applying or integrating research-based knowledge into program design, delivery, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience integrating innovative community engagement methods for individual behavior change.
• Experience working with families and children with developmental, emotional, behavioral health (D/E/B) needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing, building, and sustaining partnerships with schools, community organizations, and/or networks.
• Knowledge and application of online tools to facilitate meetings, educating program partners and participants, or integrating research-based knowledge into program design, delivery, and/or evaluation or reporting.
• Experience in conducting basic qualitative or quantitative research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with special education, social work (e.g., case management), clinical services, or related community programs.
• Demonstrated experience in development of initiatives aimed at enhancing D/E/B outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate trauma informed approaches and principles into research and practice.
• Leadership experience related to project development involving multiple partnerships and collaborations.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for frequent travel within Minnesota and infrequent travel outside Minnesota.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Periodic travel within the designated communities to provide in-person programming, with occasional overnight stays.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work, to meet the special needs of programs.
• Ability to regularly lift, push, pull, carry a minimum weight of 30 lbs. multiple times weekly.
• Must be able to work for prolonged periods of time on the computer.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

ABOUT PROJECT ECHO

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a learning and guided practice model where participants engage in a virtual community with peers, sharing across disciplines, and learning best practices. Project ECHO operates as a "hub and spoke" model, where a specialist "hub" is linked to healthcare teams in any community via a telehealth platform. The Extension Educator serves as part of the hub team and will create a network of providers with expertise relevant to D/E/B topics, ("spokes"), which will be connected to the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.

As part of the ECHO model, the Extension Educator will establish an in-person telehealth satellite site in the Grand Rapids office. The site is part conference room and part resource center. Resources will include assessment kits that may be checked out by families. The Extension Educator will be trained in assessing kits, testing them, and training families in how to use them.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

* Cover letter

* Resume/Vitae

* Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:

o Personalized views and experiences

o Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience

o If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why

o Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, .

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email or call 612- 624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Cassandra Silveira, H&N Program Leader,

For questions about applying online, contact:

Lisa Brownstein, Extension Human Resources,

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: .

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).