Horticulture Practitioner (REC1834)

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. Today, we operate over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others. Together with national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention, and physical activity and sport, these services inform SAMH’s policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.

SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.

For Scotland’s Mental Health

Post: Horticulture Practitioner

Ref: REC1834

Location: Chrysalis service, Dawson Park Community Garden

Hours: 22.5hrs per week

Salary: £24,570 pro rata - £12.60 per hour (Salary Point 10 - 13)

*whilst this is a scale for progression, the starting salary is point 10

Contract: Permanent

About the Role/Secondment

Chrysalis supports mental health and wellbeing through structured gardening and outdoor activities. The program creates a nurturing, inclusive space for participants to develop horticultural knowledge, essential life skills, and personal resilience.

Led by an experienced team of horticultural practitioners, Chrysalis offers small group sessions over a period of up to two years. Sessions are a blend of collaborative projects and individual learning paths, tailored to each participant’s abilities and interests. As individuals grow in confidence, they are supported to take on greater responsibility and leadership roles.

The horticulture practitioner will work with the people attending our service to develop and maintain the garden. Duties also include key working responsibilities, supporting our service users to work towards outcomes and goals.

Working week will be over 3 days Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with occasional weekend shifts when required.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and practical individual to join our small team. You will have experience in horticulture and of supporting groups in an outdoor setting.

Essential skills and ability:

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to work closely with others in a team

· Ability to teach others in a group setting

· Good organizational skills and ability to plan and deliver work unsupervised

· Good understanding and compassion for those who experience challenges with their mental health

· Strong professional boundaries

· Good IT skills

Relevant training and qualifications in both horticulture and supporting people with mental health are desirable.

What we will provide for you

You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include;

· Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions

· 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service (pro rata)

· 4 public holidays (pro rata)

· 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you (pro rata)

· Team wellbeing budgets

· Workplace pension scheme

· Life Assurance policy

· Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date for applications will be 12 noon, Wednesday 29th October 2025 with interviews taking place on Wednesday the 5th of November.

To apply please visit: https://www.samh.org.uk/information/work-with-us

PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of any qualifications declared in your application will be required.

Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high level of applicants and would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

SAMH is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to represent the communities we are here to support. We aim to have a truly diverse organisation – diversity of thought, background, experience and of all protected characteristics. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who have experienced mental health problems and individuals from minority communities.

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