Extension Educator, Telehealth (Grand Rapids)

Working Title: Extension Educator, Telehealth

Classification: Full time, Assistant Extension Educator (9625ST), P & A

Office Location: Grand Rapids Regional Office in northern Minnesota

Estimated Salary: $52,000 - $64,000; depending on qualifications/experience

Program Area: Extension Department of Family, Health, and Wellbeing

Apply By: May 26, 2025

Rural Minnesota faces challenges in accessing timely care and education related to developmental, emotional, and behavioral health (D/E/B). This Extension Educator (EE) will support a telehealth initiative aimed at expanding access to resources for children and families, with a focus on military-connected families.

Working in the Grand Rapids Regional Office, the EE will collaborate with the Family, Health, and Wellbeing (FHW) Department and the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) to help develop educational programs and digital resources that support families and service providers. The EE will engage with community partners, provide education, and assist in outreach efforts to improve awareness and access to care.

This role involves working closely with grant Principal Investigator Jessica Simacek, Director of the ICI-led TeleOutreach Center, and reporting to Extension's State Program Leader for Family Resiliency, Mary Jo Katras. The EE will contribute to program implementation, support partnerships, and help develop materials to assist families in navigating available services.

This position will provide educational resources and support to families and service providers, expanding access to telehealth services for children with developmental, emotional, and behavioral (D/E/B) health needs with a Military focus. The role requires building trusted relationships and partnerships with families, community partners, service providers, and community organizations. They will collaborate with the Department of Family, Health, and Wellbeing (FHW) and the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) to implement telehealth initiatives, engage with community partners and University colleagues to identify local needs and improve outreach efforts, and develop and deliver digital resources and educational programs to help families navigate care options. Lastly, the position will contribute to program reporting and evaluation, documenting impacts and sharing outcomes with stakeholders.

Educational Programming and Resources (50%)

• Develop and create digital resources and educational programs for Military families, community partners and service providers that help expand access and awareness to telehealth services for children with developmental, emotional, and behavioral (D/E/B) health needs
• Engage and recruit families, community partners, and service providers to conduct needs assessment and gap analysis, and to deliver research-based educational programs
• Coordinate with the Department of Family, Health, and Wellbeing (FHW) and the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) to implement telehealth initiatives
• Provide technical assistance to families, community professionals and practitioners to help families navigate care options
• Work with principal investigator and program leader to evaluate program outcomes consistent with project objectives and deliverables
• Conduct evaluations and create reports to share project outcomes with program participants, partners, stakeholders, and funders
• Actively participate in internal statewide teams to expand and deepen programming and connections around children's developmental, emotional, and behavioral (D/E/B) health needs with the Military community.
• Support implementation of program and initiative opportunities determined by community engagement processes in alignment with grant deliverables

Engagement and Relationship Development (40%)

• Build trusted relationships and partnerships with families, educators, service providers, and community organizations
• Engage families, community partners, and service providers to identify needs and gaps in services and education for families with children with developmental, emotional, and behavioral (D/E/B) health needs
• Actively participate in project meetings with FHW, MIDB, local and state partners, service providers, and other stakeholders
• Maintain a regular system of communication with and among community members and project teams, including in person, via phone/email, and in virtual gatherings
• Facilitate community engagement initiatives in collaboration with program teams
• Represent FHW and MIDB in providing support and expertise when serving or attending community coalitions, networks or advisory committees related services for children with developmental, emotional, and behavioral (D/E/B) health needs

Administrative Tasks (10%)

• Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to complete administrative tasks accurately and in a timely manner, including updated calendar, expenses and mileage reimbursement.
• Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to reserve teaching spaces, coordinate participant registration and communication, instructor communication, and development and distribution of educational materials.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (public health, social work, education, or related discipline).
• Familiarity with developmental, emotional, and behavioral health topics.
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience working with families, children, or community-based programs.
• Basic knowledge of online tools for communication and program delivery.
• Experience in developing and delivering community education
• Experience in community engagement and/or program facilitation
• Experience developing digital resources for families and communities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with schools, healthcare providers, or social services.
• Experience creating podcasts, online learning modules, other digital resources/tools
• Experience working with military families

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance to travel within the northeastern region monthly.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office and must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the office.
• When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Ability to work on computer for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to lift, push, pull, carry up to 30 pounds on occasion
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $52,000 - $64,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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. The following attachments must be part of your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references and transcripts (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 application instructions.

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

The University recognizes and values 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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.