Horticultural Therapist

Hours: 75 bi-weekly (8 hours; Days)

Salary: CG35 (CAD37.13 - CAD45.05 per hour)

Competition Number: VAC0018197

Posted Date: 2025-11-06

Closing Date: Open until filled

Job Summary
The Horticultural Therapist is an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team and is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-informed horticultural therapy services within the Mental Health and Addictions Centre. This role supports both individual and group-based interventions that foster therapeutic engagement, skill development, and meaningful participation for patients across inpatient units and Main Street programming.

Grounded in trauma-informed, person-centered, and recovery-oriented practice, the Horticultural Therapist uses plants, horticultural activities, and nature-based environments to promote emotional regulation, coping, social connection, purpose, and overall wellness. Through the process of caring for plants, patients learn transferable skills such as patience, self-nurturing, teamwork, managing control, problem solving, and building healthy interpersonal relationships.

The Horticultural Therapist is responsible for the clinical direction of horticultural programming, including assessment, treatment planning, intervention design, safety considerations, and progress evaluation. The role provides consultation to other clinicians and collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary team to ensure horticultural therapy aligns with broader treatment goals. The incumbent maintains an active clinical caseload and contributes to therapeutic programming on Main Street and within the inpatient units.

This position reports to the Program Manager of Main Street and is accountable to the policies, standards, and procedures of NL Health Services and the Mental Health and Addictions Program.

Job Demands
By applying for this job, you acknowledge an understanding that regular requirements and demands of this job include (but are not limited to):
Regularly lifts or moves objects up to 25 lbs, and occasionally lifts or transports equipment or supplies up to 50 lbs.
Regularly pushes or pulls equipment using light to medium force, including assisting with patient portering for individuals over 50 lbs.
Regularly stands, walks, and works in cramped or awkward positions during programming and greenhouse or garden activities.
Regularly handles materials, tools, soil, plants, and equipment for the setup and facilitation of horticultural therapy sessions.
Regularly uses varied body postures, such as bending, kneeling, stretching, crouching, and reaching; strength and endurance are often required.
Occasionally operates machinery, tools, and equipment requiring controlled, fine motor movements and rapid reflexes.
Regularly sits to complete documentation, treatment planning, and administrative duties.
Constant need for visual and auditory concentration to ensure patient safety, monitor environmental risks, and supervise therapeutic programming.
Regular requirement for sustained attention when assessing clients, documenting clinical care, or managing multiple competing demands.
Regular time pressures and deadlines associated with completing assessments, progress notes, and reports.
Ongoing responsibility to maintain and monitor program supplies, equipment, and inventory.
Frequent exposure to trauma, crisis situations, and emotionally intense interactions with patients who may present with acute distress, dysregulation, or complex behavioural needs.
Frequent use of crisis-intervention skills, including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and trauma-informed de-escalation strategies.
Regular requirement to maintain professionalism, composure, and therapeutic boundaries during challenging clinical situations.

Job Qualifications
Completion of a recognized/approved diploma or degree in horticulture, horticultural therapy, social sciences, health professions, or a related field, supplemented by additional post-secondary coursework or certificates in horticultural therapy, horticulture, or social sciences, is required.
Current and continuing professional registration with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association at the Horticultural Therapist Registered (HTR) level is required.
A minimum of one year of experience within the last three years working in a clinical role within a healthcare environment is required.
Knowledge and expertise in therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy program development.
Knowledge of adult learning principles and the ability to facilitate adult learning in both group and individual settings.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with interprofessional team members, patients, residents/clients, and families.
Demonstrated competency in clinical problem solving, program planning, and organizing therapeutic interventions.
Demonstrated effective time management, prioritization skills, and the ability to work independently with strong initiative.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to direct, mentor, and teach students and health professional staff.
Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as a member of an interprofessional team.
Strong oral and written communication skills to support documentation, patient engagement, and team collaboration.
Ability to maintain a positive, respectful, and sensitive approach to the diverse needs of patients in a mental health and addictions inpatient setting.
Experience in Mental Health and Addictions is considered a strong asset.