The Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness Program (CRUW) in Vancouver, BC is hiring for a Garden Coordinator, Group Leader, and Youth Worker.
About The Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness Program
The Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness (CRUW) Program was developed in 2011 by a community partnership interested in promoting the use of green space as a source of wellness and concrete skill development for vulnerable youth. The program targets Aboriginal youth in foster care and other vulnerable/at risk youth, and is grounded in the indigenous perspective that we derive wellness and community from relationship and interaction with land and territory. CRUW is based at Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS), and operates in partnership with Indigenous Health Research and Education Garden at the University of British Columbia Farm, Ministry of Child and Family Development, and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC.
CRUW has three distinct programming streams, including:
- the core UBC Farm program;
- the Life Skills & Leadership program; and
- the Youth Mentor Committee.
Together these programs serve some 100 youth annually, with the collective objectives of:
- honouring our diversity;
- holistic and sustainable urban wellness;
- emotional and cultural competence; and
- youth leadership.
The UBC Farm CRUW program brings Aboriginal youth in foster care at VACFSS together with other diverse youth from MCFD to the UBC Farm. Youth participants spend 16 Saturdays working with Aboriginal Elders and knowledge keepers, program staff, and other professionals, engaging in a variety of activities and workshops relating to culture, land, and food connection. Participants are split into 3 groups of 10 youth, each led and supervised by a Group Leader – who in turn, is supported by a youth worker, a youth mentor and a volunteer. The Garden Coordinator is responsible for facilitating experiential learning in the UBC Medicine Garden. All service contractors are also required to attend a paid staff and volunteer orientation prior to the program. Candidates interested in applying are recommended to watch our video for more information and context on the program: vacfss.com/programs/cruw .
(1) 2019 CRUW Garden Coordinator Service Contractor
Contract length: 16 Saturdays & 1 Orientation from March to October 2019. Plus an additional 2-hours between sessions for debriefing (approximately 180 hours @$22.50/hour)
The Garden Coordinator works with the Program Coordinator in designing, planning and supporting the learning that will occur in the UBC Farm garden. When the Garden Coordinator is not working with youth in the garden, the Program Coordinator may request that they assist with supporting/running a program block, or assist with other tasks at the farm as they come up.
As a Garden Coordinator, you will bring with you:
- Strong capacities in youth work (both in groups and one-to-one)
- Knowledge and passion for growing food
- Strong facilitation abilities
- Direct experience with leading outdoor and experiential programming
- Excellent communication skills with youth and peers
- 2 years of related experience working directly with youth
- Valid First Aid
- Valid Criminal Record Check (to be provided by VACFSS)
(2) 2019 CRUW Program Group Leader Service Contractor
Contract length: 16 Saturdays & 1 Orientation from March to October 2019. Plus an additional 2-hours between sessions for debriefing (approximately 168 hours @$22/hour)
The Group Leader is resposible for approximately 10 youth and helps to facilitate healthy peer connections, involvement in workshops, nature connection in the garden, and plan activities, games and crafts for the youth to engage in.
As a Group Leader, you will bring with you:
- An undergraduate degree in child and youth care, social work, education, recreation, health science, or related fields; OR a diploma in other social service fields AND 3 years of related working experience
- Strong capacities in youth work (both in groups and one-to-one)
- Direct experience with leading outdoor and experiential programming
- Strong facilitation abilities
- Direct experience goal setting with youth
- Excellent communication skills with youth and peers
- Valid First Aid
- Valid Criminal Record Check (to be provided by VACFSS)
- Valid divers license (unrestricted class 4 license strongly preferred)
(3) 2019 CRUW Youth Worker Service Contractor
The Youth Worker is responsible for assisting the Group Leader, supporting healthy goup dynamics, and ensuring the well-being of all participants.
Contract length: 16 Saturdays & 1 Orientation from March to October 2019. Plus an additional 1-hour between sessions for debriefing (approximately 152 hours @$21/hour)
As a Youth Worker, you will bring with you:
- Strong capacities in youth work (both in groups and one-to-one)
- Strong facilitation abilities
- Excellent communication skills with youth and peers
- 2 years of related experience working directly with youth along with relevant education/training
- Valid First Aid (or a commitment to obtain prior to start date)
- Valid Criminal Record Check (to be provided by VACFSS)
- Valid, unrestricted class 5 diver’s license (unrestricted class 4 license strongly preferred)
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, and preference may be given to candidates of Aboriginal ancestry.
To Apply
Please email cover letter and resume to jessica_hill@vacfss.com by March 1st, 2019.
Please reference the position you are applying for as the subject title.
We sincerely thank all candidates for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be notified. No phone calls please.
Learn More About the Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness Program
Website: http://www.vacfss.com/programs/cruw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturallyRelevantUrbanWellness/
View other farm jobs and apprenticeships here.