Horticultural therapist : Job description

Horticultural therapists work with people who are disabled or disadvantaged by age, circumstance or ability.

Social and therapeutic horticulture provides programmes that promote health and well-being. Through individually tailored work programmes and with caring and observant encouragement, clients develop confidence in practical and social skills.

Horticultural therapy (or therapeutic horticulture) is used in rehabilitation programmes, providing outdoor activity and physical exercise in a supportive atmosphere. Additionally, sensory stimulus gained from working with shape, form, colours and scents can give pleasure and help towards achieving positive outcomes.

The therapy can involve land use and animal husbandry.

Typical work activities

Horticultural therapists work with small groups of people or with individuals on a one-to-one basis.

Typical work activities include:

• liaising with external statutory and voluntary services to provide a multidisciplinary, person-centred approach;
• using assessment methods in order to record, monitor and evaluate individual achievements, which may include making initial assessments, planning daily tasks and supporting individuals often using a diary system;
• carrying out regular one-to-one appraisals, updates and reviews;
• maintaining daily records, including job sheets, time sheets and individual portfolios of evidence of work;
• advising on equipment and techniques for older people and people with mobility or sensory impairments;
• designing and implementing horticultural programmes for people of all ages with disabilities;
• ensuring activities match the content of nationally recognised awards;
• planning each day's work with individuals;
• setting tasks according to the physical and mental needs/abilities of individuals;
• teaching individuals horticultural tasks such as sowing seeds, setting out plants, moving compost bags, planting out, lawn mowing, soil preparation and pruning;
• demonstrating the use of tools and materials to ensure they are used safely;
• helping individuals record their tasks by writing simple summaries or drawing pictures;
• helping individuals to develop confidence and self-esteem through their work;
• assisting individuals to improve their social and practical horticulture skills;
• encouraging individuals to gain pleasure from land use;
• closely observing individuals to monitor their progress;
• assessing the effectiveness of individual programmes;
• adjusting activities to make them more effective;
• taking part in discussions with other professionals, such as social workers and psychologists;
• carrying out research on the effectiveness of horticultural therapy, often in cooperation with academics;
• devising and coordinating activity programmes and monitoring budgets;
• promoting gardening and horticulture to the general public.