SCOPE OF ROLE:       

The Program Coordinator supports a comprehensive therapeutic horticulture service that functions as an innovative supplement to other supports received by the individuals and families S:US serves. The role uses urban farming and gardening as a therapeutic tool, as an employment pathway, and as a device to advance the personal and professional goals of participants. The Program Coordinator promotes engagement in Urban Farms activities, supporting participants in achieving personal and professional goals through Urban Farms programming.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Engagement

• Serves as a liaison to client support staff in identifying, assessing, and mentoring potential Urban Farms participants.
• Works with support staff in identifying and assessing goals for Urban Farms participants, including matching the goals and current skill levels of participants to appropriate roles and activities.
• Provides direct supervision to Assistants and other participants, offering hands-on instruction and coaching as needed.
• Develops schedules for Assistants and other participants to support operational needs and to provide participants with opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Develops and offers group educational activities, workshops, and trainings in collaboration with the Director and Manager to meet broad operational needs or shared participant goals.
• Supports development of programming curricula, and directly supervises or instructs activities when appropriate.

Special Programs

• Supports participation in farmers markets, assisting with market staffing and logistics.
• Provides job coaching for Assistants assigned to farmers markets.
• Works collaboratively with the Director and Program Coordinators on farm product development and other entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Supports other S:US special programs and events where appropriate, including an annual Harvest Celebration.

Reporting

• Works with the Director and clients’ support teams in maintaining and reporting protocols and records for program activities, client engagement, participant goal tracking, and other participant metrics.

KEY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

• Staff and Client Engagement: Uses strong interpersonal skills to help clients and team members feel comfortable and motivated, building and cultivating relationships of trust, respect, and encouragement.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Understands and supports the goals and aspirations of clients, creating engaging mentoring plans, supporting development of skills, and supporting personal and professional development through a client-centered approach.
• Teamwork: Builds team-oriented environments and contributes to the leadership that creates a fun work environment so all team members support one another.
• Compassion and Sensitivity: Shows genuine interest in others and sensitivity to clients’ and team members’ goals, ideas, concerns, and needs.
• Creativity: Remains constantly open to new ideas. Develops innovative solutions to meet challenges or achieve client goals.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A 4-year degree in a related field (such as horticulture, agriculture, nutrition, education, human services)
• Demonstrated education skills, with at least 2 years of experience as a teacher, job or wellness coach, or a similar position.
• Demonstrated interest in horticulture or agriculture through at least 1 year of education, job experience, or volunteer work in agriculture, horticulture, gardening, or landscaping.
• Demonstrated interest in working with individuals with disabilities.
• Able to lift 40 pounds.
• Valid NYS driver’s license. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years of experience in working with individuals with disabilities.
• 2 years of work experience in agriculture, horticulture, gardening, or landscaping.

S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Join a team of employees who care about the wellbeing of others. We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement. From health and wellness resources to generous PTO, professional development, and more, explore all that we offer on our Benefits Page and see how S:US invests in you. 

We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information and including all other statuses protected by Federal, State and Local laws. S:US is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities, including allowance of the use of services animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact the Leave Team at MyMedicalLeave@sus.org.