Career Navigator, Family & Consumer Sciences, UT Extension UTIA (Knoxville, TN)

The Career Navigator position supports programming efforts of the Skill Up Tennessee Recovery Initiative. This position is expected to develop strong partnerships with Extension agents and partners. This position furthers program objectives by providing technical assistance to agents providing case management services to participants and providing general program support. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Build and expand program activities in assigned counties:

• Serve as a contact with Extension specialists agents and county-level partners on programmatic efforts.
• Provide technical assistance to agents in matters of curricula record keeping and other programmatic components.
• Build strong local and/or regional partnerships with substance use recovery providers Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) community colleges American Job Centers other providers industry employers and county Extension personnel.

Provide intensive case management and supportive services for participants:

• Conduct orientation with verified participants.
• Conduct initial assessment and development of individual employment plan.
• Work with participants on setting and working toward goals leading to employment.
• Follow up with participants on a monthly basis.
• Identify need for participant supports and assist with disbursement.
• Enter participant data into reporting systems.

Plan conduct implement and evaluate programming:

• Coordinate and assist with program implementation efforts.
• Implement and monitor program activities.
• Document program process and progress.
• Manage records and materials.
• Assist with report creation and submission.
• Seek document and share success stories.
• Assist with program development efforts including training and recruitment materials.
• Assist with and apply processes and procedures to ensure effective program implementation.

Conduct training with county Extension personnel:

• Assist with the development of materials and training on program procedures and educational/intervention components.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelors degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Social Work Human Resources Management Education Human Sciences or related field.
• Experience:
  • At least one year of experience working with limited resource audiences.
  • At least one year work experience with Extension or other community-based programs.
  • Experience providing individual case management.
• Knowledge Skills & Abilities:
  • Ability to work in teams and independently.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to manage priorities and multi-task.

  • Ability to follow supervisory instructions and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

  • Knowledge of adult learning principles.
  • Skillful in the creation of materials and presentations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to professionals the general public and participants.
  • Skillful at using Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to motivate and work with others effectively.
  • Ability to travel statewide.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Masters degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Social Work Human Resource Management Education Human Sciences or related field is preferred.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of three years Extension work experience preferred.

  • Minimum of three years work experience in workforce development economic development industry credentials and/or related areas preferred.

  • Work experience with substance use disorder recovery efforts.

• Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of community and cultural factors influencing lifestyle choices.

  • Skillful in community-based programming.

  • Knowledge of principles related to family systems.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville TN
• Work onsite for at least the first 6 months then hybrid (1-2 days remote) if approved.

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR07
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions:

To express interest please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before February 27 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

Skill Up Tennessee is a project of the University of Tennessee Extension Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS). FCS addresses the everyday issues families face and provide help through top professionals in every county use research-based education to help Tennesseans gain knowledge and develop confidence in making good decisions today and tomorrow.