Garden Instructor

St. Madeleine Sophie's Center; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in California is looking for a supportive individual to assist adults with disabilities in gardening duties. The role involves direct training, encouraging independence, and creating an inclusive environment. Strong communication skills and a high school diploma are preferred. Successful candidates should bring a positive attitude and be willing to work flexible hours, including some Saturdays. Join us in empowering individuals to realize their potential in a nurturing setting.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Preferred six months of experience with individuals with disabilities.
• Must be able to read, write, and understand English.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily training and instruction on gardening tasks.
• Develop appropriate garden curriculum for program participants.
• Monitor health and safety of program participants.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Multi-tasking and time management

Professionalism and flexibility

Knowledge of plants and gardening methods

Education

High school diploma or GED

Disability Professional Services Certificate

Job description

BASIC FUNCTIONS

Perform duties under the direct supervision of the Garden Manager. Works directly with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing daily training and instruction on garden, landscaping and green house care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand the goals and services of the program outlined in the Program Design.
• Must demonstrate ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to exhibit professionalism, courtesy, and flexibility when working with students and families on all assigned duties.
• Assist Garden Manager and Assistant Garden Manager in developing appropriate garden curriculum for program participants as well as planning and developing overall garden area.
• As directed by Garden Manager, assist in assigning duties to program participants in overall garden upkeep.
• Provide training and instruction to program participants as related to overall garden procedures.
• To understand the strengths, weaknesses as well as needs of program participants to be served.
• Reflect a work pattern like those of non-disabled landscaper and garden workers using age-appropriate equipment.
• Develop and maintain the program participant's functional skills, self-advocacy, employment training, community integration, self-care and social recreation as required by the organization.
• Maintain awareness of program participant's rights at all times.
• Monitor and report any concerns related to health and safety to Program Manager or designee. This includes any documented or suspected unlawful discrimination, adult abuse or harassment.
• Complete all documentation as required by SMSC.
• Be able to establish appropriate communication levels with both program participants and fellow peers.
• Attend all meetings assigned including ISP meetings, staff meetings and other meetings as required based on job duties.
• Assist in the development of program participant assessments, training curriculum & individual Service Plans (ISP) as related to their performance in garden.
• Expected to provide appropriate personal care to program participants based on individual needs.
• Promote positive encouragement to reinforce desirable behavior.
• Implement daily lesson plans.
• Maintain professional growth by attending in-service training sessions as assigned.
• Must have a working knowledge of all SMSC policies and procedures on confidentiality.
• Ensure that all programs and Regional Center standards, Lanterman Act, and other applicable requirements are maintained.
• Follow all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the Lanterman Act Title 17 and Title 22 of the State of California.
• Expected to provide transportation for program participants to a variety of activities in the community using Organization vehicles, as needed.
• Responsible for all other duties as assigned by the Garden Manager to ensure the safe and efficient daily operation of the garden program.
• Expected to provide appropriate personal care to program participants based on individual need.
• Based on department needs, may be required to have additional training, ie Pro-ACT or any other applicable training courses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

Individuals will regularly be required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb or balance; frequently bends, twists, stoops, and kneels; and will assist with lifting and transferring adults from wheelchairs to a variety of locations within the organization or in the community. Occasionally you may have to lift up to 50 lbs. for program participant safety or setting up activities. You may be required to work outside in all weather conditions. You may be required to walk distances up to one mile in length. Occasionally there will be situations requiring high stamina. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Maintain community garden site, on-site garden work area and farmer's Market in an organized manner. Ability to use standard office equipment including phone, computer, fax, copier, etc. Work is in various professional work sites, indoors and outdoors. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Minimum high school diploma or GED required.
• Preferred six months of direct care or direct training of people with intellectual, developmental, learning, or physical disabilities or equivalent experience in social services.
• Preferred Disability Professional Services Certificate or enrollment in Disabilities Services Management Certificate classes.
• Working knowledge of plants and gardening methods.
• Must be able to conform to applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to Title 17 and Title 22 of the State of California.
• Must be able to read, write, and understand English.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol tests.
• Must complete a pre-employment health screening/TB test.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain clearance for required criminal records.
• Valid CA Drivers License, clean DMV Report, and 12 months of licensed driving experience.
• Must be able to complete CPR and First Aid Training during the orientation process and update certification annually.
• Comprehend the Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.

Mission

St. Madeleine Sophies Center educates and empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their full potential.

Vision

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through nationally recognized innovative programs. We combine our culture of care and creativity with quality programs to provide liberal arts education, practical skills development, employment, and dignity for life.

Values

Integrity, Innovation, Creativity, Advocacy, Quality, Sustainability, Education, Leadership, Kindness.

Monday-Friday with at least 1 Saturday per month: 8:00 am – 2:30 pm