Horticulture Assistant & Development Worker

Horticulture Assistant & Development Worker Reports to: Horticulture Project Officer Ambient specialises in providing services for older adults and adults with learning difficulties and mental health needs. We work with a diverse client group both within the community and in our accommodation services. This role sits within our Community Engagement and Inclusion Services. The Community Engagement and Inclusion Services consists of Branching Out Horticulture Project, Credo ceramics workshops and Harmony singing group. These services are funded through various grants. The Branching Out Horticulture Project gives volunteer participants the opportunity to learn about horticulture and engage with their local environment. It provides chances for participants to learn new skills and work within a team environment which helps them to improve their mental wellbeing. Throughout Ambient’s Community Engagement and Inclusion Services the emphasis is on the provision of high-quality services which respond to the needs of participants, and seeks to maintain dignity, privacy and freedom of choice for each individual and supports their wellbeing through connection and creative activity. Role description The role of the Horticulture Assistant & Development Worker is to support in the management of the Branching Out Project. The post holder will do this by assisting the Project Officer in planning, organising and leading practical horticultural activities as well as undertaking contracted work. The Horticulture Assistant & Development Worker will also assist the Project Officer in building a trusting relationship with participants and volunteers to maintain and improve their quality of life through engaging in horticulture and the gardening process to increase independence, confidence, connection, vocation skills and wellbeing. Some of the people we work with have a range of physical health and learning needs in addition to their mental health needs who might need more practical support to engage fully in the group gardening process. The focus of this worker will be on developing and growing the service by attracting new work and securing additional funding. The emphasis for the Community Engagement and Inclusion Services is on enabling people to achieve their goals: this means making time to listen to what participants want and involving them in planning and reviewing their involvement and the gardening projects. Progress towards identified goals is measured through individually tailored support plans which are reviewed regularly. All of this will take place within the framework of the recovery and wellbeing concept. On occasions the Horticulture Assistant & Development Worker will be required to step in and lead on delivering gardening services with the volunteer team. This will usually be when the project officer is on leave. Job descriptions are reviewed annually and may be amended in accordance with the needs of the service. The Job Description does not form part of the Contract. MAIN DUTIES The Horticulture Assistant & Development Worker will assist the Project Officer as required in ensuring the smooth running of the service and supporting its growth through securing additional funding and work. Main functions To assist the Project Officer as and when needed in managing, planning, organising and leading the delivery of horticultural projects & contracted work. Initiate organise and lead groups of people with mental illness in delivering horticultural projects and contracted work by practical demonstration, tuition and supervision. To support the Project Officer in supervising volunteers and participants undertaking work projects ensuring their wellbeing and adherence to health and safety guidelines. To be responsible for supporting the Project Officer to deliver a high-quality horticultural service with stakeholders and contractors. To be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all tools and equipment used by the project. To transport volunteers and equipment to sites for contracted work using the leased vehicles provided and maybe lead a small gardening team during busy periods. Liaise with partner organisations to develop and promote clients potential and mental wellbeing whilst on the programme. Promoting skills for life opportunities, employment and volunteer opportunities. To support volunteers enabling them to integrate into their local community by organising events and work projects enabling stakeholders, partners and the community to work together. To promote continuous service development and improvement including working towards a social-enterprise model of sustainability within the gardening service Provide innovative and creative solutions that develop the work of the service and demonstrate continuous service development and improvement towards sustainability through commissioned/contracted work. To develop the Horticulture Hub to ensure it is a well-used community space and developing positive partnerships with new community groups. To develop new workshops fostering service user and community involvement linking in with partner organisations and organise taster days and events to show case the Hub. Prepare and submit written reports as required and attend team meetings with the Horticulture Project Officer and Business Development Manager. Respond as appropriate to any complaints or queries in line with agreed procedures. To undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the post, as required to ensure the efficient and effective running of the project. This list is not exhaustive and may be added to or amended from time to time. Job Types: Part-time, Contract Salary: £3,708.92 /year Experience: Horticultural: 2 years (Preferred) Licence: driving (Required) This job was originally posted as www.totaljobs.com/job/89931742