Tag: horticulture

Position is with the NC Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Position includes responsibility of leading an established therapeutic garden at the Chatham Youth Development Center in Siler City, NC, a secure setting for at-risk youth. The position receives administrative and programmatic support and guidance, as needed, from the Juvenile Justice therapeutic horticulture clinical consultant. The position is responsible for holding group garden sessions, of up to 8 students in each session, through voluntary participation to promote the overall well-being of the students. Sessions are provided through collaboration with the individual students, food services, and the student’s treatment team; the team includes direct care staff, educational staff, and mental health professionals.

Sessions will provide opportunity for carry over of academic and therapeutic goals in a natural, non-clinical setting. The sessions focus on engaging the students with outdoor and indoor plant and plant related activities, promoting awareness of and exposure to the natural environment. All sessions are centered and focused on the benefit to the student. Outdoor programming builds off maintaining the 4,352 square foot garden space; this includes a 575 square foot lawn area used for yoga and mindfulness activities, a labyrinth, 4 – 32 square foot raised vegetable beds, an herb bed, a strawberry spiral, a blueberry bed, multiple ornamental beds, and an outdoor musical instrument area. Indoor plant and plant related sessions build off houseplant care and propagation, garden related planning and learning tasks, and interacting with plant materials. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies:

• Basic, or advanced, horticultural skills regarding plant growth, propagation, care, and maintenance

• Training, or previous work experience, facilitating gardening groups centered around participant well-being, preferred but not necessary

• Ability to instruct in an indoor and outdoor group setting

• Ability to instruct in a 1:1 setting

• Ability to relate to session participants in a supportive manner • Ability to be flexible to meet participant needs

• Independent at problem-solving, teamwork, and organizational skills

• Ability to plan and anticipate needed program supplies

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and perform manual tasks

• Willingness to work outdoors across seasons

• Must pass a background check and clearance required by NCDPS

• Willing to work with strict adherence to Juvenile Justice policies which are always in place to protect at-risk youth and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment

Up to 20 hours/week with flexibility on work hours/days to meet the needs of the program. Contact person: Rieppe Hendrick  rieppe.hendrick@ncdps.gov 919-742-6266