Cal Crew - Veterans Back 2 Work Program

Mission Statement

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

Five Keys Overview

Five Keys was founded in 2003 by the San Francisco Sheriffs Department as the first accredited charter high school in the nation to provide diploma programs for adults in county jails. Today we are a much different social justice non-profit agency that has expanded its charter schools into 9 counties, in 24 jail locations and over 80 community learning centers. In addition to our schools, now we also run multiple homeless shelters, employment programs, programs for the unsheltered, reentry programs and housing for women suffering from immense injustice.

Our Core Competencies

A well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

What its really like to join our agency

At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. Weve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams.
We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.

JOB SUMMARY

Veteran members will meet at the start of each work day to carpool to work sites, therefore, we are open to candidates who can easily commute to the neighborhood of 4300  Imperial Ave in San Diego.
This is a transitional employment position up to one year performing litter abatement, vegetation control and replanting, removal of fire tinder, storm damage and erosion repair, and other maintenance and highway beautification projects, as directed by Caltrans. General cleanup and yard work may extend to Caltrans maintenance stations and facilities. 
Crew members report to Cal Crew Field Supervisors/Drivers. This position works an eight (8) hour day, up to five (5) days per week, Monday through Sunday, excluding State holidays, with exceptions for hours designated for workforce training sessions and scheduling flexibility approved through individual assignments. Work days and hours are set by Caltrans per business needs and may include services outside of normal business hours, including alternative work hours or on weekends and holidays, to complete urgent or emergency services, as determined by the Caltrans Contract Manager or designee. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to work as a productive team member and take direct supervision from site crew leader
• Must attend all safety inspections and tailgate meetings
• Report to work dressed appropriately to protect yourself from exposure to usual and/or predicable physical and environmental conditions found in the workplace
• When no litter and debris is present, crews may also perform work including but not limited to painting or removal of graffiti; plant restoration and minor storm damage repair as requested
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided at ALL times
• Properly hydrate throughout the day
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrate good written and oral communication skills
• Relate well with others in a courteous, professional manner at all times
• Ability to problem solve and resolve questions or concern
• Be responsible for the care and maintenance of program equipment and resources
• Perform other program related tasks and duties as needed or requested
• Ability to work independently and follow directions
• Must be task and goal oriented, with an ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain strong and appropriate boundaries
• Adapt well to changes
• Must be willing and able to complete all safety and anti-harassment trainings

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Must show proof of prior US Military status
• While previous experience is not required for this position, a strong candidate will have experience working outdoors in one or more of the following areas: Landscaping, brush clearance, grounds maintenance, and environmental cleanup efforts.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements
• Frequent and prolonged standing, walking, and sitting
• Ability to follow oral directions in emergency situations
• Travel to multiple sites required
• Must be able to carry landscaping tools and equipment (at least 20lbs)
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, cold, light rain)
• Must be able to bend/stoop continuously
• Must be able to stand on hillsides and slopes while using landscaping tools/equipment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Moderate to high noise level
• There is some personal safety risk working near roadways
• Work environment varies from site to site
• Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities