Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

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In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Position Summary:

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Community, Food & Environment Institute, this position will provide direct education and support for counseling programs with the Financial and Homeownership Education work team. As a team member of the Financial and Homeownership Education work team, you will work in concert with the appropriate MSU Extension Institute and/or work team(s) to ensure alignment of programs with overall goals of work team, Institute and organization.

Specific duties include:

• Conduct workshops and trainings as a means of outreach and education. Workshop topics should be relevant to statewide participants, with a DEI lens, and may include but are not limited to topics such as: budgeting, savings, banking products, credit building, identity theft, homebuyer education, foreclosure and post-foreclosure.
• Conduct one-on-one counseling to support pre-purchase education and foreclosure counseling and support, with clients as needed.
• Provide support and mentorship for new incoming HUD housing counselors to support team growth.
• Conduct administrative tasks, including but not limited to client in-take, tracking data input, monthly reporting and program evaluation. Successful candidates shall have knowledge of local, state and federal programs designed to assist homeowners and already have completed and passed the HUD certification exam.
• Other duties as assigned, as appropriate, in support of the Financial and Homeownership Education team.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Ottawa County MSU Extension office. This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment.

Desired Qualifications

• HUD certified housing counselor
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.