Area Health Agent

Position Summary

UGA Cooperative Extension is increasingly seen as a critical leader in addressing rural stress, farmer mental health, and suicide. Since 2019, Extension has worked closely with the Georgia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the UGA College of Social Work, the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture, and partners such as Farm Bureau to address increased needs among Georgia’s agricultural workers and farm families related to mental health. To meet the health needs of the number one industry in the state of Georgia – agriculture, we seek an Area Health Agent to further Extension’s work and partnerships in this effort across the state.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Posting Details

Posting Number

F1289P

Working Title

Area Health Agent

Department

CAES-Southwest District CES

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

UGA Cooperative Extension was founded in 1914 to bring research-based agricultural information to the people of Georgia. County agents and specialists throughout the state share information on issues like water quality, profitability in agribusiness, family wellness, and life skills. County agents provide soil and water test kits and instruction, advice on safe pesticide use, publications, computer programs, and lessons in consumer skills to improve Georgians’ quality of life. They are the local experts in food safety, proper eating habits, child safety, and parenting. UGA Extension coordinates 4-H, Georgia’s largest youth program. Each year, almost 200,000 young Georgians participate in community projects, summer camps, and conferences on today’s issues while having fun and learning to work together. The leadership skills and values they learn in 4-H last a lifetime. UGA Extension reaches more than 2.6 million Georgians through education programs each year. Millions more rely on UGA Extension’s publications, educational news articles, and public television programming for advice and information.

College/Unit/Department website

https://extension.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2022

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

06/29/2022

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

SW District

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Public Service Professional AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Human/Youth/Child Development, Sociology, Social Work, Behavioral Health, or related field

Additional Requirements

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Licensing in Mental Health Practice such as Licensed Master’s Level Social Worker ( LMSW ) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist ( LMFT )
• At least two years of Behavioral Health Services experience
• Mental Health First Aid and QPR certified trainer
• Experience addressing Rural Health and Farm Stress

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to organize and carry out multiple projects and manage educational programming
• Skills in leadership, management, and community engagement
• Ability to design, coordinate, and teach educational programs to meet community needs
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and engage with groups and committees
• Computer skills including knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to speak to/teach large groups of residents
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county, district, and state staff, local government employees, non-governmental community leaders, and clientele
• Ability to show high standards of professionalism in personal contacts, appearance, and work habits
• Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely through written and verbal communication

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

· Collaborates with Program Development Coordinators and Extension agents and communities to plan and conduct educational programs and outreach in the area of behavioral health issues, behavioral stress stigma reduction, farm stress and suicide prevention.
· Utilizes the expertise of Program Development Teams, community leaders, community agencies, public officials and representatives of intended audiences to identify needs and assist in developing educational programs for adults and youth.
· Utilizes current research data and information on emerging issues in program development and teaching.
· Implements the CAES Civil Rights/Equal Opportunity plan and ensures that clientele understand that UGA Extension offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.
· Offers trainings in Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer).
· Serves as the liaison for Extension with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Collaborates with other agencies, university personnel and community groups to implement programs and conduct research.
· Develops newsletters, exhibits, newspaper articles and radio programs, and a social media presence, to further reach the needs of the community and expand the public’s knowledge of the Extension Rural Health Program.
· Develops a plan of work that is equitable in meeting the needs of the varied county socioeconomic situations. Targets specific audiences such as youth and adults at risk, for educational programs addressing critical issues identified in plan of work.
· Provides leadership to Extension’s efforts to address rural stress and improve access to behavioral health resources for the clientele that Extension serves.
· Collaborates with UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, School of Social Work, College of Public Health and College of Pharmacy to further applied research concerning behavioral health in rural Georgia.
· Manages an internship program for School of Social Work graduate students.
· Utilizes a variety of teaching methods as appropriate for each audience.
· Maintains records of program and event attendance for reporting purposes.
· Reports programming activities at county, district, and state levels in Georgia Counts.
· Evaluates effectiveness of educational programs.
· Seeks financial opportunities, grants, etc., to help fund programming.
· Budgets and manages allocated funds for equipment, supplies, travel and other program support.
· Participates in professional education development, in-service training, professional organizations and other development opportunities.
· Demonstrates personal interest and involvement in community by participating in supporting civic/community activities and organizations and networking with community leaders.
· Conducts promotional efforts to expand the public’s view of Extension programming.
· Maintains a professional image.
· Other duties as assigned by the SW District Director and other State Faculty

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents