Sow 2 Grow Summer Counselor
UT Gardens’ Sow 2 Grow Summer Program Counselor
Job description
The UT Gardens-Knoxville Sow 2 Grow is a vocational work ready skills summer program for those with disabilities. Sow 2 Grow offers a variety of opportunities throughout the six weeks for students to gain experience in therapeutic horticulture, working with teens with disabilities, and gardening/environmental education. Sow 2 Grow uses people-plant connections as a foundation to improve the well-being of the whole person. During this internship, students will learn how to plan and implement programming for the University of Tennessee Gardens Sow 2 Grow Summer program. This is a paid 6-week term position. Students will work 35-40 hours per week. The position will start May 26th and end on July 2nd. The pay rate is $13 per hour.
Position Purpose:
The UT Gardens’ Sow 2 Grow Summer Counselor is responsible for assisting with planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out a variety of vocational work ready skills programming using the modality of therapeutic horticulture.
Experience and Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Positive attitude, patience, and empathy
- Ability to adapt to individual needs
- Offer encouragement and help build confidence
- Enjoy working with plants and working outdoors
- Knowledge of gardening preferred but not necessary
- Independent and able to work with limited supervision
- Able to follow directions and policies at all times
- Desire to work with, or have relevant experience working with individuals with disabilities
- Maintain confidentiality
Responsibilities may include the following tasks:
- Assist with program set up and tear down
- Lead various sessions on a variety of gardening, work and social skills, and stress management
- Plan and implement therapeutic horticulture programing
- Facilitate and participate in program activities
- Work with middle school and high school aged students with disabilities
- Assist in supervision of students
- Maintain high standards of safety and health of student and staff
- Be a role model to students and staff
- Assist with other therapeutic horticulture programming as needed
Work Environment:
- Indoors & Outdoors
- May be exposed to inclement weather: rain, heat, wind, etc.
- Sitting and standing for varied lengths of time
- Must be able to lift gardening materials including bags of soil, pots, etc.
- Hours may include evenings