Summer Associate at Catholic Social Services – Anchorage, Alaska

This is a seasonal position with a start-date in mid-April and end-date in mid-October. This position will work alongside the Refugee Enterprise & Agriculture Program (REAP) team to fulfill the day-to-day operations of the program. This position will primarily assist with the Fresh International Gardens (FIG) program, assisting clients with planting, maintaining, harvesting, and packaging vegetables for sale. The position will also assist in the operations of Grow North Farm, an urban farm offering space for refugee agricultural entrepreneurs. This position will interact with volunteers and provide technical assistance to farmers.

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

Fresh International Gardens and Grow North Farm are agricultural programs that encourage wellbeing, expand food-access, and support small-business development in refugee communities. New arrivals to Alaska are welcome to participate in the Fresh International Gardens co-op to earn supplemental income, practice English language skills, and access fresh vegetables, and Grow North Farm provides a space for agricultural entrepreneurs with a refugee background to launch or support their agriculture and food-based business.

The FIG co-op has been building healthy refugee communities since 2007 by helping new Alaskans develop English-language and small business skills, access fresh vegetables, and earn supplemental income. 100% of FIG earnings are paid out directly to FIG gardeners. FIG also produces and sells multiple value-added products including spice blends, teas, the Berbere & Beets Cookbook, and chive blossom vinegar.

Grow North Farm is Anchorage’s leading urban farm, made possible by a partnership between Catholic Social Services and Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT). Grow North Farm provides gardeners a place to expand, launch their own businesses, and collaborate with other farmers.

Grow North Farm provides a space for the community to gather with regular family-friendly programming and events. Every Thursday, global cuisine from rotating vendors is sold from an on-site food truck, as well as cottage foods, baked goods and produce from around the world. Produce is made affordable through WIC coupons accepted everyday and SNAP accepted on Thursday.

Confidentiality: An understanding of HIPAA and the importance of client confidentiality when communicating with members of the public or in dealing with client level data.

Teamwork: Interacts with people effectively. Encourages and respects the input of all team members. Communicates openly and honestly. Cooperates withing the team and across the agency.

Stress Tolerance: Displays emotional resilience. Deals with difficult and adverse events while maintaining professionalism and caring. Responds appropriately in the face of tension, emotion, and resistance. Seeks support from others when necessary and uses appropriate coping techniques.

Organization: Highly organized with attention to detail. Self-motivated and directed to accomplish tasks.

Interpersonal Skills: Able to understand and empathize with others. Can build lasting relationships with clients and partners.

Flexibility: Comfortable with changing workflow and able to prioritize tasks. Shows initiative and self confidence in various situations and challenges.

Problem Solving: Competent in dealing with clients in other crises as well as a highly structured, fast-paced daily routine. Ability to work independently and follow instructions.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of agriculture practices and growing in Alaska
• Knowledge of plant and soil health principles
• Knowledge relating to agriculture, forestry, or other ecosystems management
• Knowledge of food security issues
• Knowledge of cross-cultural services
• Knowledge of teaching adult learners
• Knowledge of teaching English Language Learners (ELL)
• Knowledge of small-scale food production, food safety regulations
• Knowledge of small business technologies (e-commerce, social media)
• Knowledge about trauma informed care practices

Skill:

• Facilitation, teaching, management, or supervision skills
• Proficient with Word, Excel, internet and experience with e-mail required
• Experience with any of the following software and/or technology would be a plus: Square online, Microsoft Teams, WordPress, Google Workspace, Squarespace, Mailchimp
• Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Capable of managing multiple tasks at once and identifying priorities
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to relate to other employees, program participants and the public.

Work with REAP team to manage FIG growing spaces.

Assist with all garden operations including vegetable sales: CSA, farmers market sales, Give Local Grow Local donations, and other customers.

Recruit, teach and support newly arrived refugees interested in learning how to grow produce in Alaska; provide outreach and educational information to refugees interested in Fresh International Gardens program; coordinate and support refugees participating in Fresh International Gardens program.

Log and report FIG client hours and case notes using data management system.

Work with RAIS case managers to fill out monthly Community Work Experience (CWE) forms.

Assists Program Coordinator with supervision and support of RAIS program volunteers and program interns.

Supervise farmers during harvest and post-harvest handling in accordance with food safety regulations at Fresh International Gardens and at farmers’ markets.

Organize and facilitate classes alongside Program Coordinator.

Complete documentation of all meetings with clients thoroughly, accurately and in a timely fashion.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience Requirement: One (1) year contributing to the operation of a garden.

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

Work is performed in an office and outdoor setting. Must be able to tolerate heat, cold, and wet conditions while performing necessary duties.

Physical demands: The physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving. Must be able to lift, push, pull and move a minimum of 50 pounds and safely operate garden equipment including garden tools, lawn mowers, and tillers.

Travel: Rarely travel out of Alaska. Occasional travel within Alaska is required.

Location: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK.