The key objective of this role is to assist in the delivery of training to participants completing community work hours. The "Garden Pathway" is a practical hands-on program designed to develop participants' skills in gardening, horticulture and landscaping whilst completing their community work order.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community. We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research. Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a family-friendly working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Jesuit Community College, is a key initiative of Jesuit Social Services. For people facing significant barriers to learning, the College provides opportunities for personal development, a solid foundation for further education and training and connection to a community of learning. For a broader group of learners, it offers a wider range of accredited and non-accredited vocational education and training and pathways to further study and work. The College also brokers opportunities for learners to access training offered by other training organisations in ways that suit their needs and circumstances.

Jesuit Community College and the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) work in partnership to deliver meaningful training programs for individuals who have intersected with the justice system. Non- accredited training is embedded into the DJCS Community Work Programs whereby individuals, who are mandated by the court to perform community work, also learn new skills, develop confidence and create pathways to further education and training. The ‘Garden Pathway’ is practical, hands-on Community Work Program designed to develop participants’ skills and knowledge in gardening, horticulture and landscaping. Seasonal vegetables and herbs are harvested and this fresh produce is donated to local charities to distribute to those in need. The Garden Pathway is an example of how education and the justice system can work together to provide better outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system.

OUTLINE OF VOLUNTEER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interacting with participants and all stakeholders including charities, gardeners and other members of the public
• Working side by side with individuals under the guidance and support of a Jesuit Community College trainer and assisting them in: -composting, weeding, mulching, harvesting produce, cleaning and maintaining the garden
• Other duties, as may be required

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Community spirited with a passion to encourage others to achieve their best
• Genuine interest in supporting people from a range of backgrounds including participants involved in the justice system.
• Patience and ability to tutor and encourage learners
• Have a level of fitness that allows them to do some practical gardening
• Basic knowledge, skills, and interest in gardening, weed detection, preparing the soil, planting and cultivating vegetables and herbs
• Active listening skills
• Flexible and adaptable
• Able to take direction
• Understanding and sympathy with the mission and ethos of Jesuit Social Services
• Respect for and willingness to adhere to Jesuit Social Services and Department of Justice and regulation policies and procedures under the guidance of the program Trainer and the Volunteer Coordinator
• Jesuit Social Services takes child protection seriously, and you are required to meet the behavior standards outlined in our Code of Conduct.