Horticultural Therapist Current Vacancies

2008-06-13:

Horticultural therapists use horticultural activities and environments as a means of positively influencing well-being, emotions, health and behaviour.
Some therapists develop programmes for the developing confidence, self-esteem, practical or social skills encouraging social inclusion learning or re-learning basic skills including numeracy and literacy.

providing sensory stimulus, providing supportive outdoor activity and exercise to restore strength and mobility after an accident or illness providing tranquil, restorative environments.
Therapists provide for support clients, encouraging them to achieve their objectives and monitoring their progress.

Some clients may be supported in gaining horticultural qualifications or going on to open or supported employment.
Horticultural therapists may also manage staff and volunteers, secure funding, draw up detailed proposals for developing projects, and promote their work to other professionals.

Working hours vary, and may include weekends and evenings. Horticultural therapy is a fairly new area and relatively few posts are advertised.

Therapists work in a variety of settings including day services, and community based projects, residential care, rehabilitation units, hospitals, prisons, charitable and voluntary organisations, schools and specialist colleges.

Some organisations may offer relevant posts under alternative job titles such as project worker or horticultural trainer.
There are no national salary scales, and salaries vary between employers. Experienced therapists may earn between 17,000 and 20,000. (Permalink)