Classification Specifications

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The EDUCATION PROGRAM ASSISTANT provides support to educational program staff, coordinating elements of programs or projects, and assisting with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Recruitment and Training. Typical tasks: coordinates recruitments for 4-H programs; recruits and coordinates volunteers to assist program as instructors, leaders, and assistants (e.g., 4-H adult project leaders, volunteers for Master Gardener program, judges for displays and fairs); assists in identifying and assembling subject matter for training of volunteers and workers and schedules time and space for training; trains and orients volunteers, student workers, and staff.
2. Promotion and Advertising. Typical tasks: prepares and assists in the preparation of written materials for printing and distribution (e.g., flyers, newsletters, promotional advertisements, posters, press releases); gives public presentations through local media, fairs, shows, information booths, classroom presentations, community organizations to increase awareness of program; organizes promotional activities (e.g., schedules events and rooms, arranges for materials, obtains required staffing).
3. Staff Support. Typical tasks: provides staff support to an educational program extension agent or project leader (e.g., coordinates the arrangements for personal exchange visits between Oregon families and families from other countries, coordinates and implements plans for 4-H participants in the Oregon State Fair); coordinates workshops, scheduling instructors, and reserving rooms; coordinates scheduling and training of new employees and volunteers recruited to provide information to the public.
4. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: develops and maintains record keeping systems for the program; corrects and completes computerized data relating to the program; contributes to and assembles program related reports; maintains an inventory of supplies necessary to the program; attends meetings and workshops to increase awareness and understanding of the program and its functions.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have regular contact with the public, in person and by telephone, to promote awareness of and interest in a program or project and to persuade the public to take an active part as volunteers or participants. There is regular contact in person and by telephone with users and potential users of program services to answer questions concerning programs and explain projects and with new employees, student workers, and volunteers to train and orient them to the program. Employees in this class have occasional contact in person and by telephone with members of the media to promote awareness of a program, project, or event.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from a faculty member who reviews the work through daily informal personal contact and/or weekly or monthly meetings and conferences. Work is reviewed to assess progress and conformance to program goals and objectives. Work is also reviewed through written narrative reports and observation of written program documents to determine effectiveness and conformance to agency/program procedures. Employees in this class use agency policies and procedures, State and Federal rules and regulations, and program procedural manuals as guidelines in providing program services and dealing with the public.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are found in central and remote locations throughout State government (e.g., general government agencies, human or natural resource agencies, correctional, mental health, or higher education institutions, hospitals, etc.). They require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position's location.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• education, training, or experience sufficient to perform the duties of the specific project (preferably including experience providing knowledge of the program or agency function related to the project) and knowledge of spoken and written English sufficient to communicate ideas and exchange information.