Title: Horticultural Health and Wellbeing Officer
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Salary: £23,088 to £24,365 (FTE) per annum – depending on skills and experience
Location: Sandwell
Do you have horticultural skills? If you can also demonstrate experience or have an interest in delivering health and wellbeing support for disabled or vulnerable people of all ages, we would welcome your application.
We are a user-led registered charity and social enterprise working to make life better for disabled, elderly and vulnerable people and their carers. Our integrated services work to engage people in support which enables their skills development and confidence towards independence, improved health and mental wellbeing, meaningful volunteering and employment.
We are seeking a passionate and creative Horticultural Health and Wellbeing Officer to join our team. In this role, you will enable people to take part in therapeutic and social horticultural practical activities (such as gardening, crafts, cooking/nutrition, engaging group activities, peer learning) linked to our ‘peer-led’ health/ support groups and social prescribing delivery. You will also support the planning and delivery of accessible and safe programmes and practical courses, through on and off-site workshops, day to day learning, open days and festivals
The ideal candidate will have relevant experience and a desire to support people with additional needs or those who face barriers to participation. Our horticultural therapy and wellbeing initiatives work directly with individuals with disabilities to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health through meaningful engagement with nature. You will develop and deliver inclusive gardening activities, support the creation of accessible green spaces, and promote the therapeutic benefits of horticulture.
Key responsibilities
• Design and deliver a range of horticultural activities tailored to individuals with disabilities, ensuring a focus on health, wellbeing, and personal development.
• Work closely with service users to develop their gardening skills, foster social interaction, and build confidence in outdoor environments.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, support workers, and volunteers to ensure holistic and coordinated care for participants.
• Create and maintain accessible, sensory, and therapeutic garden spaces that promote relaxation, connection to nature, and hands-on learning.
• Monitor and assess the impact of horticultural activities on participants' physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, adapting programs as needed.
• Organise and facilitate group sessions, workshops, and community events to engage a wider audience and raise awareness of the benefits of horticultural therapy.
• Support the development of sustainability initiatives within the gardens and promote eco-friendly practices.
• Manage and maintain horticultural tools, equipment, and materials, ensuring they are used safely and effectively.
About you
The successful candidate will ideally be able to demonstrate outstanding attention to detail in planning and delivery of tailored health and wellbeing/engagement activities using horticulture (in community settings and across Ideal for All operational sites).
• Experience in horticulture, gardening in the community or commercial settings with a passion for the therapeutic benefits of nature.
• Experience/ passion working with individuals with disabilities or within a health and wellbeing context.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage, motivate, and support people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of accessible gardening techniques and an understanding of the physical, sensory, and cognitive needs of people with disabilities.
• Commitment to promoting social inclusion, sustainability, and wellbeing through innovative and inclusive gardening programs.
• Full UK Driving Licence essential and access to own fully insured vehicle for business use
• Upper Secondary education/ Qualifications level 2 or above e.g. GCSE, NVQ Lvl2, CSE and evidence of relevant education/ or interest in Horticulture, Healthy Lifestyle
Desirable skills include
• Basic cooking skills with children, families, young people and vulnerable and disabled groups; Food Safety Level 2 or working towards, Site Health and Safety; Working in group settings, keeping up to date and accurate records of activities and involvements.
• Experience in planning and delivering fun, engaging activities and tailored sessions.
• Interest in motivating people to become more active and take up appropriate healthy lifestyle options.
• Basic knowledge of working with plants and fresh produce.
Please apply by sending your CV with covering letter to recruitment@idealforall.co.uk, or call 0121 558 5555 option 4 for more information.
Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we will only be able to contact candidates who have been selected for interview. You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time once we have received sufficient applications.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. This information is available on request and can be provided in accessible formats.