Sustainable landscapes and livelihoods

Project Officer

Purpose of the Role

This role is to provide training and social care support to the Sustainable Land Trust in its work with disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Working with vulnerable and disadvantaged people

SLT is keen to support young and disadvantaged people in gaining skills and experience in sustainable horticulture, conservation and agriculture. Working with schools and social care organisations within Leicestershire and Rutland at its main centre at the Burrough Court Estate, near Melton Mowbray, SLT is fast growing a reputation for providing a caring and nurturing environment for students. The Burrough Court Estate provides students with an opportunity to learn new practical skills in a fantastic outdoor setting and has been extremely successful in supporting those with challenging behaviours and/or with learning difficulties.

Provision of Accredited training

SLT has recently become an accredited trainer in City & Guilds Skills for Working Life and Level 1 Land Based and is beginning to take on new trainees for its courses. Typically trainees will be engaged through mainly vocational activities related to their interest in nature, the countryside and horticulture. Trainees will also learn basic Maths, English, ICT, Employability and Personal Health and Social education as part of their course. A large amount of physical work is involved in the role as well as the paperwork associated with provision of City & Guilds education.

Hours of Work

Term Time – 39 weeks a year: 9-5.30 Monday to Friday

Salary

£18,000 Pro rata

Job responsibilities, including but not limited to:

  • Carry out practical work in horticulture, forestry, game keeping, green woodwork, rural crafts, and habitat management
  • Work closely with trainees to:
  • Support individuals with diverse needs to carry out outdoor practical tasks
  • Teaching individuals tasks relating to the practical work we carry out
  • Setting tasks according to the physical and mental needs/ abilities of individuals
  • Create opportunities to allow personal goals to be obtained
  • Guide, inspire and support skills development
  • Follow and implement the agreed care plan and monitor progress of those with additional medical and health needs
  • Advise and have an understanding of the issues that may be faced
  • Oversee behaviour and ensure that the SLT rules are obeyed
  • Closely observe individuals to monitor their progress and report immediately any matters of concern
  • Oversee welfare and safety and adhere to health and safety requirements
  • Ensure that a high standard of care is maintained at all times
  • Ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing situations
  • Able to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously
  • Work with the SLT team to help plan each day’s work with individuals
  • Provide educational and personal development support through the delivery of City & Guilds Skills for Working Life and Level 1 Land Based courses
  • Update records on individual trainees on a weekly basis and review trainee progress with the Landscapes Manager and Lead Tutor
  • Liaising with schools and social care organisations where required

Candidate skills/experience required

The position is ideally suited to somebody who is practical by nature and either has experience/ qualifications in horticulture or countryside management, closely followed by either experience of working with disadvantaged and vulnerable adults and young people, or who has a desire to do so. Of particular importance is for the post holder to provide a nurturing and caring experience for trainees and support them in achieving their goals.

Other requirements are as follows:

  • The self confidence to use initiative, produce and implement solutions to problems when necessary and challenge trainees where appropriate
  • Be creative and be a lateral thinker; responding to students appropriately whilst keeping them engaged and inspired
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as a discrete nature
  • Good organisational skills and the ability to manage own workload and time effectively
  • Ability to cope with challenging/resisting situations and ability to recognise risk and create safety measures
  • Good administration skills, attention to detail in written work and tenacity to ensure that required record keeping is maintained efficiently
  • Ability to assess risk and ensure that necessary action is taken to protect students, colleagues, property, land and other business operators
  • Hold a full UK driving license with categories B1, B, B+E, C1, C (desirable additional categories D1 and K)
  • Hold a Level 3 award in First Aid at Work, or be prepared to undergo training
  • Hold a CS30/31 Chain saw qualification (desirable)
  • Enhanced DBS (or willing to undergo DBS check)

Promoting ecosystem services

Registered Office Addressburrough court, burrough-on-the-hill, melton Mowbray, leicesterhire le14 2qs

Company Registration Number:8896581 Place of registration:England and Wales