Address
Form of workThis position will develop and lead a statewide initiative to address community Health and family well-being, particularly emotional-behavioral health, using a family systems and intergenerational life course approach to human behavior, Health and well-being. The Cooperative Extension Family Health and Well-being Assistant/Associate Specialist will work to strengthen and improve family and community Health and well-being and the social-environmental context(s) in which family groups interact. Using effective research-based, equity-focused approaches and advancing policies that help families be resilient and thrive, the Specialist will demonstrate impact through rigorous program evaluation and other applied research.
Background:
Nationally, improving health equity and well-being through communication, education, and collective community action have been identified as priority areas for the Cooperative Extension System via the National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being (2021). A recent statewide needs assessment for University of Arizona Cooperative Extension identified several mental health, family, and community well-being issues as priorities across the state, including child abuse and neglect prevention; domestic violence prevention; and mental Health and stress management. The successful Specialist candidate recognizes how family systems, behaviors, and well-being are influenced through a complex web of individual, social, and environmental determinants of health in the community places where families live, learn, work, and play. The Specialist will engage families, collaborate with county-based Extension agents from across the state, and works with campus colleagues and community partners to improve families' access to resources, promote positive behavioral outcomes, and contribute to healthy community changes that are equitable and sustainable for all families.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities- Develops, manages, implements, and evaluates statewide Cooperative Extension initiatives and programs related to improving community and Family Health and well-being.
- Creates and implements professional development programs and materials for and with county-based Extension faculty and staff to support educational programs and initiatives.
- Secures external funding to support Extension programming.
- Facilitates links between campus faculty and resources and community-based Extension faculty to support community-engaged Extension programming and research across the state.
- Builds, develops, and supports reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationships with county-based and campus-based university colleagues, tribal partners, governmental agencies, state agencies, and stakeholders throughout Arizona.
- Produces a variety of creative and scholarly works for multiple audiences.
- Collaborates with other universities to leverage resources that enhance the capacity to implement effective community-based programming.
- Mentors undergraduate and graduate students and provides experiential learning opportunities in the context of research and Extension activities.
- Effectively manages multiple demands and sets priorities.
- Participates in appropriate levels of service as a faculty member.
- Travels 10-20% of time across the state, including overnight stays and occasional weekends.
- Meets eligibility requirements to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong oral and written communication skills in a variety of formats (e.g., briefs, scholarly articles, presentations) for varied audiences (e.g., general public, Extension staff, scholarly).
- Earned (not pending) doctorate from an accredited university in Human Development and Family Science, Public Health, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field.
- Experience working with families and/or systems that affect families (e.g., as an Extension agent, social worker, health department staff, etc.) Burgeoning or established community-based program of applied research relating to family and community Health and well-being.
- Evidence of being part of community-based collaborations, committees, etc.
- Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
- Experience working with Cooperative Extension.
- Experience collaborating with state agencies and other campus units to achieve goals and advance family and related policies.
- Experience obtaining and managing external grant-funding for applied research or Extension or community-based programming.
- Experience building and maintaining productive collaborative relationships with a variety of partners and stakeholders.
- Experience applying social determinants of health in applied research, program development or evaluation.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Experience supervising graduate students.
- Experience working collaboratively with various cultures and communities.
- Experience developing and implementing culturally responsive programs.
- Experience working in rural contexts and/or behavioral health settings.
barnettm@arizona.edu Open Date 11/6/2023 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document Special Instructions to Applicant Please submit a letter of interest that addresses how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications, current curriculum vitae including contact information for three references in the Additional Document slot. (References are only contacted for finalists). Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
