Program Coordinator

Job Title: Program Coordinator
Location: Homesteads for Hope – Rochester, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $20.00 per hour (Base Pay)
About Homesteads for Hope:
Homesteads for Hope is a nonprofit community farm that empowers people of all abilities to learn, grow, and thrive. We provide meaningful inclusive opportunities for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), promoting personal growth through hands- on learning in a natural farm environment.

Position Summary:
The Program Coordinator plays a vital leadership role in the development and daily operations of our Farm Programs. This position is responsible for providing instructional support to apprentices, ensuring coordination across all departments, and helping maintain a structured, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. The ideal candidate is passionate about inclusive agriculture, experienced in working with individuals with I/DD, and demonstrates strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Apprentice Instruction & Support:
•Provide daily instruction, mentorship, and support to apprentices working on the farm. Adapt learning strategies to accommodate individual needs.
•Model safe tool use and proper agricultural techniques while fostering independence.
Interdepartmental Coordination:
•Serve as a liaison amongst all departments to ensure seamless program execution and collaboration across farm operations, education, and administration.
•Communicate program updates and apprentice milestones through regular written and verbal reports or as requested.

Apprentice Evaluation and Documentation:
•  Monitor and assess apprentice progress, document achievements, and provide feedback and reports to families and management as necessary.
•  Maintain confidential records in compliance with organization, local ,state, and federal 
guidelines.
Program Development & Continuous Improvement:
•  Assist in designing and enhancing program curricula, activities, and schedules to align with the goals and mission of Homesteads for Hope.
•  Pilot new adaptive tools and inclusive practices; analyze outcomes and recommend 
refinements.
Problem Solving & Adaptability:
•Address day-to-day challenges with professionalism and a solution-oriented mindset.
•Adapt to evolving program needs and farm conditions.
•Address day-to-day challenges calmly and creatively, adjusting staffing or task lists when weather, crop conditions, or learner needs change.
•Uphold safety protocols and reinforce a culture of respect.
New Apprentice Intake:
•Facilitate interviews, initial skills assessments, and orientation sessions for incoming apprentices.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
•Other tasks and assignments as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS
•Bachelor’s in agriculture, Horticulture, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, or related field preferred.
•Proven experience in agriculture or farming, preferably in a hands-on, outdoor setting preferred.
•Certificates in Inclusive or Adaptive Agriculture, Sustainable/Organic Farming, or Produce Safety a plus.
•Minimum 2 years’ experience working with adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
•Familiarity with Self-Direction services and broker training is highly preferred.
•Ability to effectively handle conflict resolution and problem solving in a dynamic environment.
•Ability to perform the essential functions of the role, including working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

CORE COMPETENCIES
•Demonstrated strong leadership and classroom-style teaching skills in outdoor settings.
•Strong written/verbal communication and documentation abilities.
•Possess and demonstrate conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques applicable to mixed-ability groups in a dynamic environment.
•Organizational agility; able to juggle seasonal priorities and multiple stakeholders.
•Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in agriculture.
•Demonstrated work ethic, reliability, and a passion for inclusive, community-based work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
•Ability to lift and carry items typically up to 50lbs.
•Capability to stand, walk, or move around for several hours per shift, including on uneven ground.
•Willingness and ability to bend, squat, stoop, kneel, and reach as needed for farm-based activities.
•Manual dexterity for handling tools, operating equipment, and performing tasks requiring fine motor skills.
•Ability to perform repetitive movements involved in planting, harvesting, and animal care.
•Sufficient strength to push, pull, or drag equipment necessary for instruction or farm operations.
•Physical endurance to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, sun.
•Adequate vision (close, distance, peripheral, depth perception) and hearing to execute job duties safely and supervise student activities.
•Ability to operate a vehicle for occasional work-related travel or field trips.
•Capacity to sit, stand, or use office equipment for administrative tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
•Primarily outdoor, field-based setting with exposure to heat, cold, rain, wind, pollen, dust, insects, and moderate-to-loud machinery noise.
•Secondary indoor tasks in a greenhouse, wash-pack station, and office setting; temperature and noise levels vary.
•Occasional contact with agrichemicals (organic and conventional) following approved safety protocols, including respirator or glove use when necessary.
•Year-round programming; peak workloads during planting and harvest seasons may require flexible hours, including some weekends or holidays.
•Occasional evenings or weekends may be required for events or partner engagement.
•The farm is committed to a care-focused, inclusive culture that respects all employees and apprentices, regardless of background or ability.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications to Alexis Manuel, Operations Manager, alexis@homesteadsforhope.org.
Candidates are encouraged to discuss any specific accommodation needs during the application or interview process.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Homesteads for Hope is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees