Wellness Garden Specialist
Country: United States
Category: Social Work & Community Development
Employee Category Fixed Term
Job Type: Part Time
Work Arrangement: In-person
Open To Expatriates: No
Range Low: 22.00
Job Id: req58549
Location: Spokane, WA
Compensation: Hourly
Currency: United States Dollar
Range High: 24.00
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
The Wellness Garden Specialist serves as the primary staff member present at Mental Health Teams New Roots garden locations during summer programming. This role focuses on engaging diverse community members of all ages in growing culturally relevant foods and participating in hands-on agricultural activities as a wellness activity. The specialist will support program staff in coordinating garden-based activities across departments. This position plays a key role in fostering community connection, promoting food security, and ensuring the gardens function effectively as vibrant spaces for wellness and learning.
Essential Responsibilities:
Attend IRC trainings and conference calls addressing mental health program development and other refugee mental health and psychosocial support related topics.
· Attend IRC trainings and conference calls addressing New Roots program development.
· Other duties, as required
· Ensure safe and inclusive practices are upheld at all garden sites.
· Tend to garden maintenance, monitor crop health, and address infrastructure concerns by escalating issues to appropriate partners.
· Assist with harvesting produce and contribute to food distribution efforts.
· Promote Wellness health and psychosocial support within affected communities who engage in garden spaces.
• Document activities through case notes and data entry
• Collaborate with supervisor to provide updates on programing implemented in gardening space.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Mental Health Program Coordinator & Lead Mental Health Specialist
Position directly supervises: N/A
Other Internal and/or external contacts: HQ Mental Health Technical Adviser, Evidence-based intervention trainers, Mental Health providers
Job Requirements:
· Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding
· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems
· Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance
• (Preferred) Previous agricultural or urban gardening experience
• Bilingual Candidates preferred
• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred.
· Prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, preferably with disadvantaged communities and related to health or mental health
· Familiarity with issues facing refugee and immigrant communities as they relate to trauma, adjustment, and health
· Ability to assess needs, prioritize and develop action plans
· Ability to advocate and liaise with health and social service systems
· Excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively
· Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
· Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment
· Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age
Working Environment:
• Standard, professional office environment combined with community-based work.
Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.