Company Description

The Homeless Garden Project recognize the connection between homelessness and joblessness, and that barriers such as limited job skills, gaps in work history, weak social support, and low self-esteem complicate the path out of homelessness. Through an integrated program model, the organization combines job training, meaningful work and supportive services to address these challenges holistically. Participants gain practical skills, confidence, and community connections that help them transition toward stable employment and housing. The Homeless Garden Project creates a compassionate, structured environment where individuals can build resilience and move toward long-term self-sufficiency. Our newest program, Pathways to Work, is a low-barrier workforce development program designed to help people experiencing homelessness build job readiness, stability, confidence, and connections to employment—all while contributing to the vitality of downtown Santa Cruz.

Role Description

The Pathways To Work Program Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Santa Cruz, CA, responsible for overseeing employment readiness and transitional job programming for participants. This role designs, implements, and refines curricula that build job skills, workplace behaviors, and confidence, while coordinating daily program activities such as workshops, one-on-one coaching, and job search support. The Program Manager collaborates with staff, community partners, and employers to create pathways to internships, training opportunities, and sustainable employment. Day-to-day tasks include tracking participant progress, maintaining accurate records, evaluating program outcomes, and adjusting services based on data and feedback. The role also involves supporting a positive, trauma-informed environment, addressing barriers to employment, and representing the program at community meetings and outreach events.

Qualifications

Experience in program management or coordination, including planning, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development or social service programs.
Skills in case management, coaching, or mentoring, with the ability to build trust, set goals with participants, and support individuals facing homelessness or significant life challenges.
Strong communication and facilitation skills, including leading group workshops, delivering trainings, and engaging diverse stakeholders in a clear and respectful manner.
Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations to expand job and training opportunities.
Competence in data tracking and documentation, using spreadsheets or databases to monitor participant outcomes, prepare reports, and inform program improvements.
Knowledge of employment readiness best practices, trauma-informed care, and barriers commonly experienced by people transitioning out of homelessness.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a small team, manage multiple priorities, and maintain professionalism in a dynamic, outdoor and garden-based setting.
Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, human services, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and non-discriminatory practices, with sensitivity to people from varied backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.
See the job description here: https://homelessgardenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Pathways-to-Work-Program-Manager-job-description-draft.pdf

Job description