Horticultural Therapist

Horticultural Therapy Program Leader

Kainos Home and Training Center is an established and well-respected Redwood City non-profit that has been serving adults with developmental disabilities since 1974. Our mission is to assist adults with developmental disabilities in reaching their full potential while helping them become active, contributing members of the community. Kainos provides quality residential, vocational and support services, forming an integrated network of training opportunities.

You have a passion for social services. You have experience working with people who have developmental disabilities. You need to be hands on with your program, clients and staff at all times. You enjoy heading a dynamic team. You are a creative thinker, a passionate leader, and have the organization skills required to keep on top of the many moving parts of this position.

Monday - Friday (flexible days) and 9am to 3pm (flexible hours within the listed time)

As part of the Community Connections team, you will create, provide, and lead the horticultural therapy program (HT) for clients. This will include either virtual or in-person gardening sessions, community volunteering, lessons, and enrichment activities. You will be responsible for a high-quality, wellness-based program attended by both clients and support staff. This is a part-time position for 8-10 hours per week.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Train, teach, interact, and supervise approximately 8 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in-person, virtually, or in community garden settings with support staff present.
• Create seasonal plans for garden activities to include propagation, cultivation, maintenance, plant selection, growing/harvesting/using plants grown in raised beds, and/or virtual adaptations as needed.
• Research new ideas for future programming and adapt activities for clients as needed.
• Adapt and create a work environment to enable clients to participate as independently as possible.
• Set-up and maintain good working relationships with community partners.
• Plan, source, and stock necessary supplies for horticultural activities (in collaboration with Engagement Coordinator).
• Maintain tools in working condition.
• Train and oversee clients and support staff on new tasks and activities as needed.
• Develop in-person and virtual classes/activities with a focus on skill-building and vocational/educational attainment prior to each program session.
• Plan and implement community outings throughout the calendar month, as needed.
• Identify targeted garden areas for HT activities and maintain as needed.
• Attend all departmental in-service meetings, trainings, department/team meetings, and/or other internal meetings as identified.
• Be aware as to the welfare and safety of the clients at all times.

Education/Qualifications:

• BA, Horticultural Therapy certificate preferred.
• Passion for the Kainos Mission
• Experience working with persons with an intellectual disability is required.
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Ability to effectively supervise clients on various tasks.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively work well with others.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills, excellent work ethic, good sound judgement and problem solving skills
• Able to provide support to all Instructors

Physical Functions:

• Ability to remain standing or walking on your feet for a minimum of a 4 hour period.
• Ability to reach, bend, twist, stoop, push and pull repetitively for up to a 4 hour period.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs repetitively for up to 4 hours at a time.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs occasionally with assistance.

Licensing Requirements:

• Maintain current American Red Cross CPR and Standard First Aid certification.
• Be able to pass a physical examination and TB test.
• Have a clean driving record and criminal record.
• Be cleared to drive Kainos vehicles.