Horticultural Therapist

(Specialising in Dementia)

Thrive's TrunkwellGarden Project

Job Description

Title:Horticultural Therapist

Place or base of work:TrunkwellGarden Project, Beech Hill, Reading

Reports to:Head Therapist/Garden Manager

Note:

Individuals are expected to carry out a range of duties to meet the aims and objectives of the project at which they are based and within the overall context of Thrive’s aims. All Thrive Horticultural Therapists may be required, with appropriate training where necessary, to undertake any of the duties listed.

Main purpose of the Horticultural Therapist post

There are four closely inter-related functions within the overall framework of the post:

  • Working with people with a dementia(client programmes)
  • Using horticulture and other related knowledge to provide garden 1:1 support in individuals own garden.
  • Promoting the training and social care aspects of horticulture with community groups and other organisations and individuals outside Thrive (outreach and promotion)
  • Assisting in the maintenance and general organisation of the Garden Project. Operating as a member of the team (infrastructure and project management)

Functions and duties

Client programmes

To develop and run individually tailored programmes, founded on horticulture and related activities, for people with dementia. This will include:

  • Designing and implementing programmes to meet individual needs
  • Key working:

Liaising with other agencies/multidisciplinary working

Listening to and supporting clients & their carers
Managing client agreements

Completing necessary paperwork to agreed Thrive procedures

  • Running programmes which will vary depending on individual needs
  • Assessing progress with clients & carers against those needs, and arranging and conducting regular reviews
  • Keeping abreast of latest research and developments in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) and incorporating appropriate elements into client’s work programme
  • Investigating/researching the use of new STH techniques and their related benefits for specific disabilities
  • Working with volunteers who support the garden project in a variety of ways
  • Programmes will entail some or all of the following:

Therapy and the general promotion of personal well-being and life skills

Training associated with specialist client groups such as olderpeople, people with early stage dementia & carers

Working with partner organisations to deliver individually tailored programmes

Outreach and promotion

  • Undertaking client programmes in locations and with other groups as required away from the base site.
  • Promoting the use and application of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture as a tool and Thrive’s full range of services, to other projects, community groups, other voluntary organisations and the statutory services.
  • Welcoming visitors and those seeking information to the site and providing briefings and information as appropriate.
  • Running and/or assisting with promotional displays, visitors’ days and special events on and off site.

Infrastructure and project management

  • To work in co-operation with other Thrive staff.
  • To carry out all of the functions within the spirit and detail of Thrive policies and procedures.
  • To participate in, and identify, personal training needs to meet the competency standard set for horticultural therapists.
  • To participate in other activities associated with Thrive, including staff seminars, national events and conferences.
  • To contribute to the general running and organisation of the outreach project, including:

-Reviewing and maintaining tools and other equipment appropriate to meet the needs of the project.

-Assisting with the design and production of information and other leaflets associated directly with the project.

-Undertaking such other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time, given the nature of the project and of the overall functions of the Horticultural Therapist.

-Undertake appropriate risk assessments.

This list is not exhaustive. Amendments and additions may be required in the future, in line with policy and other changes

Successfulappointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory references and CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check

Person Specification

Area
Qualifications /
  • Recognised qualification in horticulture
  • Recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy
  • Certificate or diploma in Horticultural Therapy

Experience /
  • Individual learner plans
  • Working in partnership with voluntary and statutory agencies
  • Working with people with early stages of dementia
  • Practical gardening/horticultural experience

Skills and Knowledge /
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Good standard of numeracy
  • Strong personal organisation and co-ordination skills
  • Good standard of IT skills
  • Ability to work on own initiative
  • Able to work well with others
  • Ability to build rapport
  • Flexibility in the working environment

Other /
  • Hold a full driving licence
  • Hold a current First Aid qualification
  • Willing to undertake some out of hours work for which time in lieu is given
  • Prepared to travel

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