Location: Baltimore,MD, USA
Nature of work: Managing the Strength to Love II (S2L2) youth workforce development program for youth ages 15-21 years on the S2L2 farm in the Sandtown-Winchester, Upton and surrounding communities of west Baltimore. The model combines a STEM based approach with paid job training and classroom instruction to ensure participants gain and retain employment and move towards self-sufficiency with a focus on agricultural career opportunities.
When not conducting workforce development programming, this position works as part of the S2L2 farm team in planting, harvesting, and maintaining the farm. The position also helps lead and manage volunteer groups and interns.
The S2L2 program is part of the community nonprofit Intersection of Change which is dedicated to addressing poverty related issues in west Baltimore.
This hybrid position reports to the Program Director/Farm Manager.
Job description
Primary workforce development responsibilities:
* Perform and manage all workforce development activities with recruitment, direct programming, retention
* Implement all program activities, classes, trainings, at the S2L2 farm or in classroom settings
* Consistently track participant interactions and update participant files
* Data management for reporting, compliance, evaluation, and participant paid internships and stipends
* Coordinate integration of workforce development participants with farm team as applicable
* Develop and maintain working relationships with partners and other relevant agencies
* Build strong partnerships with local agencies/businesses to gain employment opportunities for participants
* Develop and maintain materials (brochure, calendar, participant handbook, curriculum, data management systems to track program outcomes)
* Cultivate and maintain relationships with parents and guardians
* Attend meetings required by funding partners
* Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor
* Provide encouragement and recognize accomplishments
Primary farm responsibilities:
* Farming with planting, harvesting, and upkeep of 1.5-acre farm
* Assist with operating, managing equipment, lift produce and packages up to 50 pounds
* Work outdoors in seasonal weather and inclement weather
* Interact positively and with compassion with team members and volunteers
* Communicate clearly with rest of team and volunteers
* Participate in team meetings and projects
* Assist with general field observation and high tunnel greenhouse maintenance
* Follow all policies and procedures of the farm operations
* Practice good customer service, leadership, run farmers market stands, work with youth farmers, and volunteers
* Update logs in Google Documents, inventory management, and point-of-sale transactions
Qualifications:
* Bachelor's Degree and/or three years working in a Workforce Development Program for underserved populations
* Community based experience with underserved populations
* Experience working with youth and/or underserved populations via teaching, case management, or training
* Able to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment
* Able to communicate effectively with all clients and partnerships
* Able to build and maintain collaborations and partnerships with agencies and businesses
Knowledge:
* Strong computer knowledge including Microsoft Word, Excel, and ability to do basic website updates
* Database creation and management
* Basic understanding of accounting procedures
* Capacity to write and articulate S2L2 mission, goals, and vision
Skills and Abilities:
* Ability to work as a team leader, supervise staff, coordinate activities with other staff to meet overall objectives within specified timeframes
* Possess training and/or work experience in problem solving, leadership, and conflict management
* Ability to manage and prioritize large volumes of activity and workload
* Ability to show accuracy, timeliness and follow-up on tasks
* Ability to interact positively and with compassion with clients and their families
* Ability to interact positively with the public and with staff and board
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills including editing and creating original materials