Whatcom County's WSU Cooperative Extension Office is hiring trained facilitators to conduct specialized multi-week group trainings for their Family Prevention Programs for Whatcom County families and youth. Depending on training and certification, employees may be assigned to facilitate WSU " Strengthening Families " or " Guiding Good Choices " curriculum. The Strengthening Families Program is a seven-week family skills training program for caregivers and youth age 10-14 designed designed to strengthen parenting skills, build family relationships, and reduce youth risk for substance misuse and other negative behaviors. The program guides caregivers in developing nurturing parenting, effective communication, appropriate discipline, and positive behavior management skills, while helping youth develop skills for managing stress, handling peer pressure, setting goals, building healthy relationships, and making positive choices. The Guiding Good Choices program (GGC ) is a five-week family skills training program for parents/caregivers of children in middle school (ages 9-14) designed to help caregivers better understand adolescent development, strengthen family relationships, establish clear expectations, manage conflict, and help youth develop skills to make positive choices and resist negative peer influences. This program g uides caregivers in identifying and addressing family risk factors, establishing effective family guidelines, using positive approaches to manage behavior and conflict, supporting healthy peer relationships, teaching youth refusal and peer-pressure resistance skills, and increasing positive family involvement.

Facilitator duties include:

Prepare for and facilitate weekly program sessions using the established curriculum. Present program content and lead interactive discussions, activities, role-plays, and skills practice. Create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. Encourage participant engagement, discussion, and participation. Guide participants in practicing and applying skills addressed in the curriculum. Facilitate group and family activities and help participants connect program concepts to their daily lives. Manage session logistics, materials, attendance, and basic program documentation. Follow program guidelines and deliver the curriculum consistently. Track participant attendance and conduct participant evaluations as directed by County Extension Educator. Complete reports as needed. Communicate with program staff regarding participant needs, program activities, and session concerns. Programs are conducted in the evenings typically at a school site or online, once a week typically from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm. Facilitators are expected to commit to the entire 5 - 7 week program, as assigned. Facilitators are eligible to participate in more than one program dependent on certification and availability. Certification as a Guiding Good Choices Facilitator and/or Strengthening Families Facilitator through WSU Extension. Experience working with youth and/or families required. Bachelor's Degree in education or a related field preferred. Background check must meet County criteria. Required to complete a Disclosure of Crimes Against Children or Vulnerable Adults. Knowledge regarding child development, behavior management and group dynamics. Possess a knowledge and understanding of basic parenting skills and family dynamics. Ability to be a positive role model to families. Ability to facilitate groups of parents and/or children. Dependability. Work effectively in team environment with positive attitude and collaborate with others; If you have questions about job duties or training opportunities contact Victoria Mayers at 360-778-9148 or victoria.mayers@wsu.edu. Additional information about the Strengthening Families and Guiding Good Choices Programs is available online at https://extension.wsu.edu/whatcom/fch/sfp/ Help others and give something back to our community!