Organic gardening, vegetable farming, therapeutic horticulture

Title: Community Support Worker - Garden Manager
Employer: Glenora Farm

Location: Glenora Farm, near Duncan, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
Housing: Live on-site or commute

• Full-time
• Live-in or Live-out

The Organization

The Ita Wegman Association of BC for Curative Education and Social Therapy (Glenora Farm) is an intentional community based on an organic farm located in the rural community of Glenora in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Through the modalities of cooperative agriculture, inclusive arts and culture, and integrated home supports, Glenora Farm provides life-enriching day programs and empowering residential care for adults with developmental disabilities (Companions).

Our Mission Statement

It is our common endeavor to create an environment in which those who are in need of special care, and those who provide it, can relate to each other as individuals rather than as professionals and clients. Thus we make room for creativity and personal fulfillment in the context of each person's privacy and spiritual freedom. In the way we live together, in the way we care for the land and in the things we create, we intend to uphold the ideals of Camphill, in which each contributes what they are able to, and receives in turn what they need.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

The Garden Manager is responsible for overseeing Companion support in the garden, as well as the production (planning, planting, tending, harvesting and processing) of a 2-acre certified organic mixed vegetable garden for the community whilst managing a team of coworkers to create a therapeutic work environment for their peers with developmental disabilities.

It is the responsibility of the Garden Manager to work with the community and Land Manager to determine the size of production. This is based on a balance between the skills of the Garden Manager, the needs of the community, and the other financial, human, and land resources that are currently available.

The Garden Manager is part of the Land Group, together with the Farm Workshop Leader, Herb Workshop Leader, the Estate Workshop Leader, the Maintenance Manager, and the Land Manager, a working group to carry the responsibilities as stewards of the land of Glenora Farm, to share resources and support.

The Garden Manager creates a weekly fresh sheet, develops customer relationships, and manages external and CSA vegetable sales. Is responsible for the organization of preparation and participation at The Duncan Farmers Market.

The Garden Manager works with the Executive Director and Contract Grant Writer to create and submit grant applications and to prepare associated grant reporting.

The Garden Manager is responsible for the management of a three-acre, organic vegetable garden, using biodynamic practices.

If the Garden Manager would like to work 40 hours per week in the garden off-season, residential shifts supporting individuals with diverse abilities living at Glenora Farm will be available.

Administration

Report Management: The Garden Manager is expected to complete relevant reporting as required, accurately and in a timely manner. Furthermore, the Garden Manager is involved in the planning and execution of Companion support, utilizing Individual Support Plans.

Annual report creation: Annual submission of noteworthy events for your workshop, comings and goings, fun stories, photos

Fiscal Management: The Garden Manager works with the Executive Director and Land Manager to create and maintain the annual garden budget. The Garden Manager is responsible for requesting approval for expense requests to acquire and maintain tools and equipment. The Garden Manager is responsible for accurate and timely receipt submission and processing.

Supervision and Direct Support

Day Program Supervision: The Garden Manager supervises between 2 - 5 Coworkers and 2- 5 Companions. The Garden Manager adapts and shares out the tasks to each individual according to their skills and abilities.

Residential Supervision: If the Garden Manager works in the residential program, they are responsible for supervising between 1-3 Coworkers and 2-6 Companions. The Garden Manager follows the rhythm of the house and communicates with the House Coordinator.

Direct Support and Safety: In addition to providing direct support to Companions in workshop activities, the Garden Manager is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the workshop areas.

Skills and Qualifications Requirements:

Communication: communicates appropriately, respectfully, and effectively with Companions, Coworkers, and other stakeholders. Advanced interpersonal communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to foster and maintain positive relationships. The ability to demonstrate effective self regulation / care and personal awareness – warm, empathetic, and approachable temperament.

Time Management: uses time effectively to support Companions and accomplish workload while prioritizing teamwork: works respectfully, cooperatively, and effectively with others to reach a common goal; observes and understands team needs and dynamics and is able to problem-solve with team members in a timely, respectful, and proactive manner. The ability to model active and reflective listening skills. Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Leadership: maintains a professional and positive manner even in challenging situations. Engages Companions and Coworkers to accomplish organizational and workshop goals. Ability to seek new opportunities, identify gaps, and contribute to the Farm's growth. Ability to recruit, develop, and retain Coworkers and Volunteers and develop goodwill in the community. Knowledge and the ability to model all Glenora Farm health and safety practices.

Task Management: Takes ownership and responsibility for the quality of the workshop. Reviews, understands, and follows all IWA policies and procedures, as well as professional standards and regulations. Organizational skills. Motivated and independent initiative. Willingness to invest in independent study to promote the highest level of quality care for participants (appreciating diagnosis, researching nature-based activities, consciousness about creating physically accessible farming spaces, etc.). The physical ability to stand for long periods of time and carry weight up to 50lbs.

Feedback: accepts feedback as a means of improving one's performance and learning new and different methods and tools. Provides collaborative, proactive solutions and suggestions to the leadership team. Takes responsibility, performs reliably, and accepts critical feedback/instruction.

Education, Skills and Abilities:

A combination of education and experience in the following areas is preferred:

• One or more full seasons of vegetable production experience
• Experience with or willingness to learn about caring for farm animals. Occasional care may be required.
• Community Mental Health Worker Certificate
• Community Support Worker Certificate
• Vocational education, training and/or experience in eco-arts, horticulture, farming or another discipline such as horticultural therapy, trauma informed yoga, expressive arts
• Experience with tractor and equipment operation and maintenance
• Previous training and experience in a Camphill Community is beneficial
• Experience working with adults and/or seniors with intellectual, developmental, and physical diversity, brain injury, and age-related illnesses.
• Experience / knowledge of Trauma Informed Care and practice
• Experience / knowledge of Person-Centered theory
• Experience / knowledge of light case management, progress reporting
• Experience / knowledge of the Canadian Organic Standards and Permissible Substances List, as well as Biodynamic principles and practices or willingness to learn and self-educate
• Knowledge about food systems and food security in the Cowichan valley, or willingness to learn
• Willingness to invest in independent study regarding low-impact, ecological farming practices. Passion for sustainable farming, community/ cooperative based farming, and inclusive agriculture
• Willingness to take initiative about future forward thinking agricultural practices and set preparedness goals – i.e. drought preparation and mitigation
• Ability to set goals and make an assessment of successes and how to better achieve goals in the next growing season
• Non-Violent Communication / Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI or Mandt)
• Demonstrate basic computer literacy, basic proficiency with Word, Microsoft Office, Xcel
• Valid Occupational First Aid Level One
• A valid Class 5 driver's license and access to reliable transportation
• National Safety Code Drivers Abstract
• A Clearance Letter for Criminal Record Check specific to 'vulnerable persons' is required for this position (provided in-house upon hire).
• Current TB test (immunization documentation)
• Current driver's license
• Knowledge of the local community's resources and service providers

Wellness Statement

Glenora Farm acknowledges the importance of healthy lifestyles and workplace wellness. It is the expectation that all Coworkers will maintain their psychological, physical, spiritual, and intellectual health and function as role models to others at the Farm.

Apply

If you're interested in supporting people with diverse abilities while being part of an amazing community, please reach out to info@glenorafarm.org to set up an interview.

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