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- Tasks: Support service users in horticulture projects, enhancing their skills and confidence.
- Company: Join East London NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to improving lives through therapeutic employment.
- Benefits: Enjoy relevant training, monthly supervision, and access to a CPD programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive, inclusive environment with diverse service users.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities to cover various projects within the Trust.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
This is a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant role within a close knit team.
The Landscape Gardening project sits within the NuLeaf Therapeutic Employment projects at the John Howard Centre and Wolfson House, which also include the Oasis Coffee Shop, The Spot Coffee Shop, Painting & Decorating, Admin and the Barber Shop / Hair Salon.
The Therapeutic Employment projects are run as social enterprise businesses, with a focus on supporting service users\’ recovery, resilience building, and the maintenance and acquisition of specific and soft employment skills.
The aim is to increase training and employment opportunities for forensic service users by providing opportunities to utilize their existing skills or facilitate the development of a new skills set to maintain parts of the hospital grounds, and potentially work in the Horticulture industry post discharge.
You will find it a varied and stimulating environment, working with service users from across the John Howard Centre, including the Learning Disability and Autism services. You will receive relevant training, monthly supervision and have access to the OT departments CPD programme.
This OTA role involves working with patients who present with various mental health problems and reside in Acute, Rehab, Learning Disability and Autism Services within the John Howard Centre and at Wolfson House.
The successful applicant will be joining the Therapeutic Horticulture Team to provide support with the the planning, delivery and smooth running of the NuLeaf Landscaping project to develop a schedule for areas within the low and medium services to be maintained regularly.
This is a part time role within a small team, supporting forensic inpatients with the development of skills to maintain part of the hospital grounds, grow fruits and vegetables to supply the hospital’s Coffee Shop, and increase service users’ skill sets, confidence and employability.
Sessions are provided in a group or 1:1 setting.
The successful applicant will also be required to assist in the running of other service user employment projects at the John Howard Centre, providing cover when necessary and feasible.
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people\’s lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.
To liaise with the lead clinician to develop and maintain a curriculum / training schedule to train service users systematically and to measure progress and achievements
To liaise with customers and other agencies to ensure commissioned jobs are delivered at agreed high standards and in a timely manner.
To assist in the running of all service user employment projects at the John Howard Centre, providing cover when necessary and feasible.
This advert closes on Thursday 31 Jul 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Occupational Therapy- Therapeutic Horticulture Assistant | East London NHS Foundation Trust employer: East London NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
East London NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy- Therapeutic Horticulture Assistant | East London NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of therapeutic horticulture. Understanding how gardening can aid mental health recovery will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of occupational therapy and therapeutic horticulture. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet people who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain some hands-on experience, even if it's voluntary. Working with service users or in a similar environment will give you practical knowledge that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you embody the values of care, respect, and inclusivity during your interview. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities in action.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy- Therapeutic Horticulture Assistant | East London NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Occupational Therapy Assistant role. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the position.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in therapeutic horticulture, mental health support, or any related fields. Emphasise your ability to work in a team and your commitment to improving service users' lives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for occupational therapy and therapeutic horticulture. Mention specific examples of how you embody the Trust's values: Care, Respect, and Inclusivity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at East London NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Role and Environment
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the Occupational Therapy Assistant role, especially within a therapeutic horticulture context. Research the East London NHS Foundation Trust and its values, focusing on how they align with your own beliefs about care, respect, and inclusivity.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss any previous experience you have in horticulture, occupational therapy, or working with service users who have mental health challenges. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support individuals in developing skills and confidence.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a small team and various service users, be ready to illustrate your teamwork and communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles, particularly in a supportive or therapeutic setting.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the types of projects you might work on, and how success is measured within the team.