Health Care Assistant/Activity Organiser
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Health Care Assistant Activities Co-ordinator Band 3 to join our team on Holford Ward, a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Wellsprings Hospital Site. This rewarding role sits within the Adult Mental Health and Learning Difficulties Directorate, supporting adults experiencing acute mental health challenges
You will work closely with qualified nurses, occupational therapist, and other professionals to deliver high-quality care and therapeutic engagement
This is a hands‑on role where creativity, empathy, and interpersonal skills are key. You'll contribute to care planning, observe and report patient progress, and help shape an environment that supports recovery. Flexibility is essential, as the role may involve working evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays, and lone working
If you are passionate about mental health care and motivated to make a difference, we would love to hear from you
Main duties of the job
* Support qualified nurses and professionals in the assessment and treatment of patients
* Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to assist in the patients recovery
* Observe and report patient behaviour and progress to the clinical team
* Assist with risk assessments
* Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to team handovers and meetings
* Promote therapeutic meal times and support patients with personal care and hygiene
* May be required to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and undertake lone working during activities
This vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Job responsibilities
As a Band 3 HCA/Activities Co-ordinator, you will:
* Engage Patients: Build rapport and motivate patients to engage with the MDT to support their recovery
* Collaborate: Work alongside Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and nursing staff with individual rehabilitation goals
* Plan & Organise: Manage your own time
* Support Clinical Practice: Participate in clinical discussions, contribute to care planning, and risk management
* Maintain Safety & Compliance: Adhere to Trust policies, health and safety regulations, and safeguarding procedures. Participate in mandatory training and supervision
* Contribute to Service Development: Engage in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and evaluations to enhance patient care
* Drive & Transport: May be required to drive ward vehicles for off‑site activities (valid driving licence and appropriate insurance required - desired)
Person Specification
Qualifications
* A good standard of general education
Experience
* Experience of working with people, for example, in a health care setting as an HCA or rehabilitation assistant, particularly with mental health needs and dementia
* Previous experience of working in a mental health setting
* Experience in working in groups or individualised working
Additional Criteria
* Compassionate - with good interpersonal skills
* Professional and patient focussed
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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