Project Assistant

Parklea Branching out provides a valuable community resource within Port Glasgow, Inverclyde. Our core mission is to support local people with learning and additional support needs, in a rights based and client centred way. Established in 1997 we set out to achieve independence, dignity and fulfilment to all our participants.

As a project assistant you will support the structured activities that make up our model of Social and Therapeutic horticulture to empower clients by improving their skill sets and confidence to assist in their inclusion within our local community and in line with organisation mission and values.

This will be done in a safe and supported environment with each employee of the charity delivering specific skills and training to support the common goals of the advancement of people’s potential and to enable their social integration.

As a Parklea employee your prime objective will always be to use Social and Therapeutic Horticulture with Environmental and creative pursuits and you will be expected to support this by not only carrying out your specific remit but to assist all other colleagues in these common goals.

Detailed below are the guidelines for this specific job role.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• In cooperation with the head of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) support and assist programmes and activities with regard to STH, general gardening and other areas of client engagement. Ensuring the application of good practice to maximise the benefit each client derives from Parklea programmes.

• Support the programme co-ordinators in the delivery of seasonal horticultural & therapeutic activities.

• Take a client centred approach, adapting to the needs of the individual, enabling them to take part in both one-to-one and group activities in an appropriate manner.

• Work with the therapeutic coordinator to support a wide range of inclusive social & recreational activities that promote good physical & mental health.

• Work with the horticultural coordinator to support plant production activities ensuring deadlines & timeframes are met through effective planning & communication.

• Assist in the stocking, maintenance and quality of retail displays.

• Assist customers and handle sales transactions.

Essential:

*A basic knowledge of Horticulture.

*A basic knowledge of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture and the benefits that derives from this.

*Patience, empathy and understanding of people with additional support needs and/or physical disability, mental health issues and people from a disadvantaged background with a commitment to their rights and dignity.

*Good team player with the ability to work collaboratively but also energetic and resourceful to lead, and a positive ‘can do’ attitude when making decisions on your own.

*Self-motivated, practical and able to juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines.

*Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

*Good customer service skills.

Desirable:

*A good eye for horticultural display maintenance and quality of retail displays

*Competent IT skills.

*A full driving licence with business insurance.

This is initially a 6 month post with the potential for extending permanently.