Garden Day Instructor

Would you like a job where you can make a real difference to someone’s life?

Then working for Minstead Trust could be a perfect match for you!

An exciting opportunity has arisen to become part of our supportive, caring organisation working in a beautiful, outdoor setting.

Garden Day Instructor

Location: Minstead, Near Lyndhurst, New Forest

Salary: £24,180

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (8.30am-4.30pm)

As a Day Instructor working within our New Forest Day Opportunities team, you will working with small groups of adults with learning disabilities maintaining and developing Furzey gardens, a picturesque and tranquil woodland garden nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park. The gardens are open to the public to explore rare and unusual plants, discover hidden fairy doors and enjoy refreshments in the cosy, thatched tearoom.

The role: 

You will take the lead in planning, organising and delivering outcomes-based activities and sessions for groups of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. The planned activities will support the groups in developing their skills in gardening and horticulture and achieving their full potential to live independent lives.

This will involve:

• Planning, developing and delivering the training and activities in collaboration with the garden team
• Assessing, recording and recognising the progress and achievements of the individuals we support
• Assist with personal care if required, ensuring their needs are met
• Encourage effective communication and support healthy eating habits
• Administering medication where required (training will provided).
• Assessing and recording any risks on an ongoing basis
• Maintain accurate and factual records
• Build positive working relationships with family members, carers and other professionals as required, promoting a positive profile of Minstead Trust and learning disabilities

What are we looking for:

• Previous experience of working in a social care setting or having led activities for people with learning disabilities.
• Qualifications in Horticulture/gardening or education by experience
• A reasonable level of physical fitness in order to undertake general gardening activities (mowing, digging, planting etc)
• The ability to work calmly and professionally whether alone or, as part of our friendly team
• Sensitivity to the needs of others and the ability to work safely
• The essential capability to build a rapport with colleagues, volunteers and the families and carers of the people we support
• You must be a car driver with access to your own vehicle with willingness/ability to drive a mini-bus. This is an essential requirement

What benefits can we offer you?

• 33 days holiday per annum inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Refer-a-Friend scheme worth £750!
• A Celebration Day’s Leave for Your Birthday
• Death in Service Insurance
• Company Pension
• An easy to access Health Care Scheme
• Cycle to Work
• Free Parking on-site
• Blue Light Card Eligibility
• Furzey Gardens Membership
• Hanger Farm Membership
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Company Sick Pay

If you would like to apply for this role, please complete our application form and return the completed form to careers@minsteadtrust.org.uk or fill out the online application form. 

Our Vision at Minstead Trust is to live in a society where people with learning disabilities enjoy fulfilling lives of their own choosing.

As a trust, our mission is to support people with learning disabilities to fully develop their individual potential by providing opportunities, enhancing life skills, ensuring informed choice, and influencing society.

We appreciate each person. Everyone is different–we respect and celebrate this.

We are always learning. We all have something to offer and more to learn.

We are always improving. Striving to give our best and have more impact.

We push for change. We will challenge society to be fully inclusive.

We find the joy in everyday life. We have the freedom to be ourselves and enjoy what we do

No terminology in the advert you have seen is intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, and we will gladly accept applications from all sections of the community.