The following videos and resources highlight personnel topics relevant to the role of county extension council members. NOTE: There are "Chapters" in some videos. Click on the bulleted list icon on the video player to access the chapter feature.
Employer Update
This webinar was presented by Andrea Nelson, Assistant Vice President for County Services and Jennifer Vit, IECA Executive Director in May, 2024. Topics covered include independent contractors, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), and employees as volunteers. Each topic has been divided into its own video below.
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Fact Sheet (note that posters for your office can be downloaded from the right-hand column of the page)
- Legal Opinion regarding Employees as Volunteers (You will need to use the universal password to access this document. Contact IECA if you do not know the password.)
Legal Resources for Personnel Topics
The Legal Resources page also has videos and resources related to personnel provided by our IECA legal counsel, Whitfield & Eddy Law. Because of the proprietary nature of this information, you will need to use the universal login to access this page. To request the password, please contact Jennifer Vit or Julie Baumler and note which county extension council you serve on.
Following is a listing of personnel resources found on the Legal Resources page:
Webinars
- Federal Laws about Pay
- Employee Performance & Improvement Strategies
- Conflicts of Interest
- Is it Legal? (2023 and 2022 versions)
- Best Practices for Personnel Committees and Personnel Records
- Hiring, Firing, and Managing Staff
- Fair Labor Standards
- ABCs of Employment Law
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Basics
Documents and Links
- Employee Separation
- Employees as Volunteers
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) - Overtime Fact Sheet
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Focus on Personnel Committee
Focus on Personnel Committee
Learn about roles and responsibilities for extension council personnel committee members. Recruitment strategies, employment market trends, benefits, and how to determine raises will be reviewed.
Resources
- Download Presentation slides
- Personnel Responsibilities for Counties in Models 1, 2, and 3
- Best Practices for Personnel Committees and Personnel Records webinar with Kay Osvig, Whitfield & Eddy Law (You will need to use the universal password to access this document. Contact IECA if you do not know the password.)
- County Benefit Survey (ask your County or Regional Director for a copy)
- County Salary Guide (ask your County or Regional Director for a copy)
- Crucial Conversations training
- Everything DiSC Workplace training
Successful Annual Employee Evaluations
Successful Annual Employee Evaluations
Learn how to make your evaluation process a year-long endeavor - - it's not just completing the required form 2 weeks before the annual review. Learn how to be proactive with your employees, how to decide what employee raises should be, make reviews positive and productive, how to partner with your regional or county director, and the ideal timeline.
Resources
- Contact Julie Hering Kent: jkent@iastate.edu
- Download PowerPoint slides
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Extension districts are oftentimes "benefit rich and salary poor", or vice versa. What can your council do to provide a positive working environment for your employees? Learn how you can think outside the box to attract and keep employees who might be looking for different qualities in a job than they did a decade or two ago. We'll also share tangible things you can do as a council member to connect with county employees and maintain a happy office.
Resources
Governance vs. Supervision
Governance vs. Supervision
How can councils work with their regional director to provide supervision of employees? The three models of Structured for Success provide day-to-day supervision of county staff. Learn the role of a council in terms of governance and supervision. Hear how councils, county directors, and regional directors each fit into the supervisory picture. Discuss how to work with your regional director for a win-win as it relates to extension district employees.
Resources
Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental Health in the Workplace
How can you support your employees' and constituents' mental health? Review mental health programs and resources available for counties, discuss how extension councils can best use their funds to support the mental health initiative, and learn tips to support county staff during this stressful time.