We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Activities Coordinator to join our adult acute mental health inpatient wards at the Wellsprings Hospital Site. Working as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team, you will support the assessment and treatment of adults with mental health needs by delivering a meaningful programme of therapeutic activities.
In this role, you will work closely with qualified nurses, Occupational Therapists and other professionals to enhance patient wellbeing, promote recovery, and contribute to a safe and supportive ward environment. The post includes 1:1 therapeutic sessions, group activities, and involvement in the planning and development of the overall activity programme.
This is a 7day service, and the successful candidate will be required to work some evenings and weekends. Some activities may also involve lone working.
Main duties of the job
The Activities Coordinator plays a key role in delivering a comprehensive and creative programme of activities for adults receiving inpatient mental health care. You will work across two 15bedded acute wards, developing therapeutic relationships with service users and helping to promote recovery, independence and positive wellbeing.
* Support the delivery of high-quality care within the inpatient setting by providing structured individual and group activities.
* Plan, organise, and implement an engaging activities timetable that is responsive to patient needs.
* Motivate and encourage service users to participate in therapeutic and recreational activities.
* Observe, record and report changes in patients' presentation, behaviour and engagement to the multidisciplinary team.
* Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in line with Trust policy.
* Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, attending meetings as required and contributing to patient care plans.
* Assist qualified staff in group therapeutic interventions and support wider ward activities.
* Manage resources and equipment for activities, ensuring safe use and maintenance.
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.
Job responsibilities
Activity Provision & Patient Engagement
* Deliver a range of activity-based patient sessions, including creative, leisure, rehabilitative and social groups, as well as tailored 1:1 interventions.
* Build rapport with patients to encourage active participation and engagement in meaningful occupation.
* Adapt activities to meet a variety of individual needs, preferences and functional abilities.
* Observe and report on patient progress, behaviour, abilities and risks, contributing to shared clinical understanding.
* Contribute to the ongoing development of a varied and innovative ward activity programme.
* Maintain and update the activity timetable, ensuring appropriate cover over a 7day rota.
* Manage your own workload and time effectively, including planning activity sessions, gathering resources, and setting up/clearing down spaces.
Communication & Teamwork
* Maintain clear, accurate and confidential patient records in line with Trust policy.
* Communicate effectively with nursing staff, Occupational Therapists, ward leadership and the wider multidisciplinary team.
* Attend team meetings as required and share observations relevant to patient care and recovery planning.
Safety, Policy & Professional Standards
* Adhere to all Trust policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and diversity, infection control and health and safety.
* Remain alert to changes in patient presentation, escalating concerns promptly to senior staff.
* Follow safe lone-working procedures during activity sessions that may require independent facilitation.
* Participate in mandatory training, supervision, annual appraisal, and ongoing professional development.
Equipment & Resource Management
* Assist in sourcing materials and resources needed for the activity programme.
* Maintain an up-to-date inventory of equipment, ensuring it remains safe and suitable for use.
This job description outlines the key responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. Duties may be amended to support evolving service needs in consultation with the post holder.
Qualifications
* Good standard of general educationAdequate literacy skillsNVQ level 2
* NVQ level 3 of creative activity therapist (CAT)
Experience
* Work experience in health care as a HCA or rehab assistant, and having working with clients in the health care setting, particularly with mental health needs and dementia.
* Experience of facilitating groupsExperience as an Activity Co-ordinator
Additional Criteria
* In a physical condition, which allows post holder to train and practice PMVA techniques as part of mandatory training.Ability to manage challenging situations
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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