Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program Coordinator

The Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program (RAPP) is a community agricultural and agribusiness education program designed to improve the livelihoods and economic self-sufficiency of refugee families by benefiting from supplemental income, improved access to healthy foods and better nutrition, and enhanced integration into communities by refugee families. This position, with support of the program manager, will be responsible for program development, implementation, and successful operations of the RAPP program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Trains LFSRM and Catholic Charities refugee staff, and other potential partners on the RAPP program to screen refugees for eligibility and market the program.
• Assists in the development of data collection instruments and marketing and recruitment materials. Conducts ongoing outreach to various cultural community leaders and organizations that can assist in publicizing the RAPP program and recruiting potential participants.
• Conducts intake with each potentially eligible participant, determines eligibility for the program and Completes participant application detailing relevant experience and expectations of the program.
• Assists in the development of and ongoing modification to the farmers' training and gardeners' training curriculum. Delivers, and / or refers and coordinates farmers' training and gardeners' training.
• Monitors participant RAPP progress- tracks, organizes, and evaluates participants progress and outcomes, completes follow-up contacts with clients as needed, terminates participants from the program, modifies RAPP participant agreements, and / or determines whether a participant may be promoted to RAPP tier 2 or tier 3 program level.
• Coordinates with RAPP partners, specifically Rio Grande Community Farm, Las Huertas Farmer Training, Hubble House, and Albuquerque Growers' Market Alliance in organizing plot designation, farmers' and gardeners' education, ordering supplies, requesting contractor assistance, and selling goods at market.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements to guarantee that all such requirements are met by the RAPP program.
• Maintains organized client files and enters information into the database.
• Prepares and submits program reports to funders in a timely matter including documenting success stories.
• Participates in relevant training opportunities and coordinate continued program development efforts(e.g., research best practices, facilitates staff training opportunities, etc.) to ensure that program outcomes are achieved in the most efficient and effective manner.
• Participates in developing long-term planning and policies for the program.
• Keeps supervisors informed of trends, issues, and developments in providing services.
• Coordinates services with other LFS staff and partner agencies to assure comprehensive services; attend and participate in staff meetings and other meetings as requested.
• Comply with all federal, state and LFS contracts.
• Participates in community outreach activities that advances the work and message of the Refugee & Asylee Program.
• Ensures that program services are provided in accordance with quality assurance standards of the agency, state, accrediting organizations, and HIPAA.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Cross cultural sensitivity and knowledge with the ability and desire to work with people of other cultures, some of whom will be limited English speakers.
• Background or knowledge in agricultural production, community gardening, agribusiness, farming, farmers' markets, and community engagement.
• English language abilities and functional fluency in one or more foreign languages preferred but not required.
• Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with a variety of community partners.
• Broad knowledge of practices, principles, and methods employed in the resettlement of refugees, including knowledge and understanding of US Immigration laws and regulations /
• Written communication skills, ability to write reports and to make presentations.
• Detail-oriented, extensive documentation skills, organized and able to multi-task.
• Skilled at crisis management, problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, collaboration, and mediation.
• Attention to punctuality for work, appointments and report dates.
• Ability to self-start and work well in a team setting as well as individually.
• Detail oriented, organized, pro-active attitude and ability to work in multi-task environment.
• Computer skills in Word, Excel, Internet Research, and the use of email and other applications.
• Possesses a valid New Mexico driver's license; has a reliable and consistently available vehicle; and is able to regularly travel throughout the agency's service area by way of interstate highways, and primary and secondary roads. Must carry automobile liability insurance at the level of $100,000 / 300,000 / 100,000.
• Demonstrates commitment to the mission, values and vision of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from 4-year college or university; concentration should focus in community and capacity building, business, agribusiness, agriculture, or sustainability.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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