Therapeutic Gardener

Therapeutic Gardener at Elizabeth Fry Charity

Elizabeth Fry Charity runs a 24 bed Approved Premises for women who are under supervision of the Probation Service.  Residents at the Approved Premises have access to a range of purposeful activities aimed to support them to address issues that led to their offending and to develop the skills for them to lead an offending-free life in future. The Charity also provides an Outreach Service, supporting women who have moved on from the Approved Premises to the local area.

We are now seeking an experienced and skilled Gardener who could work alongside a small group of residents to maintain our outdoor space and share the benefits of working outdoors.

About the Role

The role is for five hours a week, times, and days to be agreed with the successful candidate. The role is based on a 12-month contract with potential for extension if further funding is secured.

We know that there are clear benefits to gardening which include better physical health, improved mental health through sense of purpose and achievement and a reduction in stress. We are looking for an individual who has both the practical and people skills needed to lead and work alongside residents in the Charity’s garden.  Our aim for this activity is to support improvements in residents physical and mental health, whilst also enabling them to acquire new skills and potentially grow their own food.

What We Offer

• Access to Perkbox, an employee benefits platform.
• Confirmation in post bonus following successful completion of Probationary Period, as well as long term service awards at both three and ten years.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• 25 days of annual leave + Bank Holidays per annum (pro rata), which increases with length of service.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a covering letter outlining why your skills and experience make you a good candidate for the role to Caroline.Wharton@justice.gov.uk

Interviews will be arranged as we receive suitable applications.

Therapeutic Gardener Job Description

Reports to:                  Referral & Premises Manager

Role Purpose:             To develop and maintain the Charity’s outdoor space. To work alongside a small group of residents to support them to develop their skills and enjoy the benefits of working outdoors.  

Hours of Work:           Five hours a week with times/days to be agreed.

Salary:                         £16.41 per hour

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. All aspects of garden maintenance and landscaping, including:

• Establish and maintain garden beds
• Weed and water garden beds
• Keep lawn areas neat and tidy
• Keep pathways clear by removing leaves, moss etc

2. Working alongside a small group of residents, supporting them to develop gardening skills and benefit from working outdoors.