Job Description

At Dedham Therapy Farm CIC we support children and young people with diverse needs, to overcome barriers to daily living using animals and outdoor activity. We are a small close knit team working collaboratively to provide a person centred service to children and young people 4 - 25 years.

We are a unique setting, working with a diverse range of individuals. Based on the border of Essex and Suffolk, we pride ourselves in offering a therapeutic outdoor service all year round.

Vision:

To empower people to develop, recover, or maintain their wellbeing through nature, animals and meaningful activities.

Mission:

We provide bespoke, person-centered therapeutic services using nature, animals and occupational therapy to anyone who would benefit. We improve people's physical and mental health using Animal Facilitated Therapy and farming activities.

Values

: Person centred, Collaborative, Inclusive, Open - minded, Diverse.

Role

Therapy Farm support staff

Salary

24,375 pro rata

Hours -

Term timeTuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 08:30 - 16:30 (Hour's may be negotiable, with the potential to increase to Monday - Friday, term time in the future. Applicants wanting to negotiate hours must contact us prior to making an application). 12 month fixed term contract with potential to become a permanent term time contract.

Closing Date

28th July 2025

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

GCSE in maths and English or equivalent.

DBS check

Full UK drivers' licence with access to a vehicle

First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at work certificate.

Fire Safety

Health and Safety

Manual Handling

Safeguarding level 2

Desirable

First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at work certificate.

Fire Safety

Health and Safety

Manual Handling

Safeguarding

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

Working with young people with a learning difficulty, mental health problems and challenging behaviour

Animal care inc dogs

Record keeping and note/report writing.

Desirable

Health and Safety

De-escalation skills

Working as part of a team.

Animal Assisted Therapy.

Risk assessing in the moment and formally documenting a risk assessment.

Skills

Essential

Ability to communicate and present information, verbally and in writing, in a clear and logical manner

Competent IT skills.

Ability, to interact positively with Farm Assistants and carers who may have difficulties with communication.

Ability to prioritise, organize own workload

Ability to maintain pace in a high demand environment.

The ability to modify how you communicate with animals and people depending on the situation.

Be able to take direction.

Able to use own initiative.

Desirable

Alternative communication skills e.g. sign/Makaton.

Qualities

Essential

Motivated.

Creative.

Ability to work autonomously and take responsibility for own actions.

Positive risk approach.

Ability to work collaboratively in a close-knit team.

Develop good working relationships with other organisations.

Desirable

An understanding of social enterprise.

Attention to detail.

Other

Essential

Must be willing to work outside all year round.

Must have a passion for supporting young people and their progress in therapeutic outdoor intervention.

The post holder will

To work with Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants to understand Farm Assistants intervention, their progress and goals.

Primarily will be expected to cover Animal Assisted intervention and ASDAN therapeutic sessions when Farm Assistant's primary staff member is not available.

To write note and provide feedback to primary staff members on covered sessions.

Complete administrative tasks as required by the business

Complete animal care and husbandry tasks as required by the business

Complete garden and farm hand tasks as required by the business

Work collaboratively with Farm Assistants and their families and other professionals to ensure positive outcomes and provide person centred sessions for our children and young people.

Follow all Dedham Therapy Farm CIC policies and procedures.

To present in a professional manner representing Dedham Therapy Farms therapeutic and person centred approach.

Establish therapeutic relationships with Farm Assistants and their support network with appropriate boundaries.

Work within Farm risk assessments to ensure safety of all.

Work collaboratively with the rest of the team.

Establish good working relationships with other organisations.

Work autonomously, seeking advice when appropriate.

Be creative.

Be motivated.

Demonstrate commitment to Continuous Professional Development.

Open to expand knowledge and skills relating to the setting.

Demonstrate flexibility within your role to support the needs of the team and Farm Assistants.

Work with the team to meet the needs of the business.

What can we offer you?

Personal development

A friendly working environment.

28 days holiday + 4 Bank holidays pro rata (This is subject to change annually based on when the bank holidays fall).

Guaranteed week off over Christmas, Easter & October half term.

Opportunity to share ideas and make a real difference to our service.

Variety in your working day.

Opportunity to have input in service development.

Paid DBS

Pension Plan

If you require any further information about our service, please contact us.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 10,968.75 per year

Expected hours: 22.50 per week

Benefits:

Company pension
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/07/2025