Horticulture Support Worker

About the Role

Full Time 40 hours per week 7:30am-4:00pm Mon-Fri

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Horticulture Support Worker to join our Creative Enterprise team. This role supports adults with learning disabilities to develop horticultural skills, maintain our grounds, and produce high-quality plants and produce for sale. You will work across gardens, polytunnels, greenhouses, and residential areas, providing both practical and personal support.

Full Responsibilities

Supporting Residents & Service Users

• Support adults with learning disabilities to learn and develop horticulture skills.
• Lead a small work team to maintain the Lodge Trust gardens and grounds.
• Support residents' morning routines to prepare them for the working day.
• Provide personal care support where appropriate.
• Act as Link Worker for a number of service users.
• Support lunch-time routines when residents have their main meal.
• Ensure all service users take an active and meaningful part in work activities.
• Assist with outings and Creative Enterprise activities.
• Respond with patience, kindness and respect at all times.

Horticulture & Work Area Duties

• Work across gardens, greenhouses, and polytunnels to produce high-quality plants and produce.
• Maintain high standards in all production and sale items.
• Keep work areas clean, tidy, safe, and compliant with legislation.
• Carry out stock checks and assist with regular stock audits.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and report concerns promptly.
• Support Lodge Trust events, including Sales Days and Families Day.

Teamwork & Communication

• Report to the Horticulture Coordinator and work collaboratively across the Creative Enterprise team.
• Liaise with other team leaders to ensure shared skills and support.
• Work as part of a wider team providing a high-quality service to residents.

Health & Safety & Administration

• Follow all Health & Safety requirements and organisational policies.
• Maintain H&S records, including daily checks.
• Maintain COSHH records and chemical usage logs.
• Attend relevant meetings and training sessions.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Adhere to Care Standards for adults with learning disabilities.
• Provide flexibility to cover staff absence when required.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must meet the following:

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Clean UK driving licence.
• Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care or willingness to work towards it.
• At least one year's experience in a professional horticulture environment.
• Good understanding of workplace Health & Safety.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to support residents to produce saleable horticulture products within a budget.
• Competent in using horticultural tools and equipment.
• Able to support residents with maintaining grounds and gardens.
• Ability to work in a person-centred way.
• Able to manage and motivate people with learning disabilities.
• Strong organisational, planning, and administrative skills.
• IT competent.
• Able to work under pressure and use initiative.
• Able to respond appropriately in emergencies.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Personal Qualities

• Able to support and uphold the Christian ethos and values of The Lodge Trust.
• Flexible, reliable and willing to learn.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Physically and mentally fit for the role.
• Patient, kind, and respectful.

Desirable Criteria

Not essential, but beneficial:

• Professional horticulture qualification.
• Teaching qualification.
• Experience supporting adults with learning disabilities.
• Experience supervising or leading teams.
• First Aid at Work qualification.
• Health & Safety qualification.
• Ability to advocate for people with learning disabilities.

Please note that this role does not offer a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The advert may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed, so we encourage early application

How to Apply

Please apply online

For an informal conversation about the role, call and ask to speak to Ellen Knight

Safer Recruitment Statement

The Lodge Trust CIO is committed to safeguarding adults at risk. All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check (Adults' Barred List where applicable), identity and right-to-work verification, and satisfactory references confirming conduct in previous roles. We follow CQC Regulation 19 and Skills for Care safer recruitment guidance.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £25,975.00-£26,214.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Referral programme

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Rutland LE15 7PL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• This role does not offer visa sponsorship. Can you confirm that you have the legal right to work in the UK without needing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
• Do you hold a full, clean UK driving licence?
• Are you willing to work Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm (40hrs per week)?
• Are you comfortable working with individuals with Dementia and Learning disabilities?

Experience:

• Horticulture: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person