Join the team creating a better world!
Down to Earth is an award-winning group of social enterprises based on the Gower peninsula, Swansea.
Since 2005 we have been offering life-changing experiences to some of the most disadvantaged communities in Wales through creating stunning venues and outdoor spaces with natural materials and renewable technologies.
By creating, using and looking after these landmark facilities with our groups, we deliver health care and education in new and internationally recognised ways – whilst also showing how it is possible to create a better world: one that is good for people and good for the planet.
Responsible to: Project Manager and Team
Hours per week: 37.5 (full time)
Salary: £23,000 – £27,000 (FTE)
If you are interested, please download an application form. Then submit the application form with your CV by Monday 20th July 2023 (by 9pm) to jobs@downtoearthproject.org.uk
Who are we looking for?
As we grow, we are looking for talented and committed outdoor practitioners who know how the outdoors can be a used to create a better world for people and nature.
Our Group Lead Facilitators come from a range of disciplines: from land management to adventure activities, teaching through to play, construction through to social work – amongst many others!
We specialise in working with young people and adults who are from ‘disadvantaged” or ‘vulnerable” backgrounds – so we’re looking for people with experience in working with those groups, in particular.
Be the Change
As a social enterprise, we operate on a non-profit distributing model but strive to make a profit to further our impact. The role will suit someone who thrives on how we can reduce our impact on the planet, whilst also changing lives. We are a hard-working team who believe in creating the change we want to see. This is a role for driven and ambitious individuals who are keen to join a team which strives to make a positive difference.
What does the role involve?
The role of ‘Group Lead Facilitators’ does exactly that – it is the person who is responsible for facilitating activities with our groups. Working as part of a wider team, this role is all about delivering outdoor programmes which change lives. From ensuring our inclusive, relationship centred approach is embedded in each activity through to completing accreditation and monitoring paperwork, this is a diverse role which is mainly based outdoors and involves running practical activities with many different types of groups.
Working hours and location
We are looking for positions with a work base in Rhondda Cynon Taff as well as positions with a work base in Swansea. This role involves working outdoors with groups, face to face, for up to 5 days a week. The role may also require being based in other locations across south Wales. As such, the role will require access to a vehicle.
We expect most of the hours to be Monday to Friday. The role may also require occasional weekend work which can be worked flexibly.
Due to the nature of this role, we are unable to offer homebased working.
Salary
£23,000 to £27,000 dependent on experience and qualifications. This is based on 37.5 hours per week.
Benefits and work environment
- Having a positive impact on people and the planet
- Pension contributions
- Extensive training and team development, including annual team away days
- Generous Annual leave and long term commitment rewards
- Free access to our stunning sites for personal events
- Subsidised EV charging
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver programmes in meaningful outdoor activities (including sustainable construction and woodland management*) designed to change lives
- Support and engage participants in programmes to meet health outcomes and educational outcomes. Compliance with Down to Earth policies and procedures
- Complete risk assessments and other health and safety documentation relating to participants engaging in the programmes
- Recruit groups from referral agencies and continue to liaise with referral agencies to ensure effective programme delivery.
- Work closely with the Project Manager and wider team to ensure safe and appropriate work programmes for participants
- Co-Lead programmes and/or manage Support Workers in programme delivery
- Ensuring accreditation achievement and other outcomes achievement by participants
- All accreditation and programme paperwork • Supervising and supporting volunteers.
- Working with the Administrator to ensure on-going tracking and evaluation of participants.
- Site pack down and set up, including cleaning
- General admin duties as required.
*We will provide additional training, as required.
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience of working with groups from disadvantaged/vulnerable backgrounds
- Minimum 2 years of doing outdoor-based activities with groups
- An outdoor practitioner qualification such as:
- WIN, Forest School Leader, BELA, ML etc.
- Land management equivalent
- Sustainable construction equivalent
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills Strong awareness of Health and Safety legislation and ability to work to risk assessments
- Flexible and responsive attitude to work
- Ability to solve problems
- Happy and able to work outside in all weathers Good computer literacy – ability to use basic software such as Office 365/0utlook etc.
- Full driving licence.
Preferable Experience & Skills:
- Experience of the health sector
- Interest and/or experience in sustainable construction
- Interest and/or experience in woodland management
- Teaching qualification (minimum L3 EAT -previously PTLLS)
- Welsh language ability