Dorset Community Action (DCA) is a charity working with communities across Dorset to develop practical, community-led solutions that strengthen local services, improve wellbeing, and create opportunities for local people.
21 hours per week - Part Time
Salary: £25,393 (Pro Rata £14,412)
Location: Dorset (East & West), with travel
DCA's work includes community employment, rural community assets and services, and community‑led health and wellbeing, helping people and places build resilience and sustainable local solutions.
GreenCare is DCA’s supported employment social enterprise, providing garden maintenance and related outdoor services for older and vulnerable residents, housing associations, and local organisations across Dorset. It also creates supported, entry‑level paid work opportunities for young adults aged 16–24, particularly those with SEND and others facing barriers to employment.
This role will help grow GreenCare’s reach and long‑term sustainability. By increasing delivery capacity, strengthening customer relationships, and supporting young people on site, the postholder will contribute to greater social impact, increased income, and more supported employment opportunities across Dorset.
Overall Purpose of the Role
- Lead the day‑to‑day delivery of the GreenCare supported employment service in a practical, inclusive, and supportive way.
- Provide structured, on‑site support to young people with SEND or other barriers to employment, helping them build confidence, independence, and work‑readiness.
- Deliver high‑quality garden maintenance and outdoor services to agreed standards.
- Use sound judgement and practical skills to support safe, effective work on site.
- Contribute to GreenCare’s growth and sustainability while promoting its social value.
What Success Looks Like in the First 6–12 Months
Within the first 6–12 months, the postholder will have helped strengthen and grow GreenCare by expanding delivery capacity, maintaining high service standards, and increasing access to supported employment opportunities for young people aged 16–24 facing barriers to work. Success will also include contributing to effective delivery across East and West Dorset and supporting the service’s financial sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Service Delivery and Team Leadership
- Lead the garden maintenance team and oversee day‑to‑day delivery on site.
- Provide clear direction and day‑to‑day supervision to ensure work meets required standards.
- Check completed work and promptly address any quality issues, reporting any unfinished tasks, issues, or concerns.
Support for Young People with SEND and Barriers to Employment
- Provide patient, practical on‑site support to young people in supported employment placements, particularly those with SEND.
- Adapt your approach to individual needs so young people can take part confidently and safely in outdoor work.
- Help create a positive working environment that builds confidence, independence, and work‑readiness.
Job Planning and Operational Co‑ordination
- Work closely with the Enterprise Co‑ordinator to plan jobs, understand customer requirements, prepare quotations, and organise delivery.
- Ensure tools, materials, and equipment are transported to and from site safely and appropriately.
- Undertake regular tool and equipment maintenance.
- Support the smooth running of the service through effective planning, communication, and problem‑solving.
Outdoor Practical Work
- Undertake practical outdoor work, including grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, weeding, garden clearance, and related duties.
- Use practical skills and a hands‑on approach to complete work to a high standard in different sites and conditions.
- Develop gardening and grounds maintenance skills through training and experience in the role.
Health, Safety and Equipment Management
- Follow health and safety procedures at all times, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, PPE, and reporting hazards or incidents.
- Ensure the safe handling, maintenance, storage, and use of tools, machinery, and equipment, reporting any faults or irregularities.
- Promote safe working practices on site.
Customer Service and Service Development
- Provide excellent customer service and represent DCA professionally with residents, partners, and the public.
- Support GreenCare’s development by building customer relationships and identifying opportunities for growth.
Organisational Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively as part of the DCA team and uphold the organisation’s values, policies, and procedures.
- Manage your own administration, diary, and workload effectively.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and professional development.
- Work flexibly when required, including occasional evening or weekend work by agreement.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role, in line with DCA’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
- A good standard of general education, including GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or relevant equivalent experience.
- Relevant vocational qualifications in youth work, SEND educational support, horticulture, environmental conservation, or related areas would be an advantage but are not essential.
Essential Criteria
- Experience of supporting, coaching, or working alongside young (16‑25) people, particularly those with SEND or additional needs.
- A patient, adaptable approach, with the ability to build confidence and positive working relationships.
- Enjoyment of outdoor work and the ability to work in a practical, hands‑on role in different weather conditions.
- Good practical skills, sound judgement, and the ability to learn and apply new tasks confidently.
- An understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, or first aid, with a willingness to undertake training as required.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to plan, prioritise, and work safely.
- A flexible, reliable, and solution‑focused approach to work.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of working in supported employment, social enterprise, community‑based services, or employability programmes.
- Experience of gardening, grounds maintenance, environmental conservation, or outdoor practical work.
- Experience of building customer relationships, promoting services, or supporting service development.
Equality and Diversity
Dorset Community Action is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diverse experiences and perspectives.
How to apply
Please submit:
- A CV
- A covering letter explaining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
Applications should be sent by email to jobs@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk or by post to: Recruitment, Dorset Community Action, The Little Keep, Barrack Road, Dorchester, DT1 1SQ
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Paul Seaman, Programme Manager paul.seaman@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk 01202 847 605
Closing date: 5.00 pm on Monday 6th July 2026
Interviews: Friday 10th July 2026
