Job overview
Do you enjoy working in a compassionate environment, want to learn and develop new skills, enjoy working with a variety of service users, all with very different needs and work with people in crisis to help them with their recovery, then this job is for you!
An opportunity has arisen for a Activity Worker to join our Psychiatric Intensive Care Team – this comes at an exciting time, as our team is expanding and will soon be moving from our current unit, situated at Stepping Hill Hospital [Stockport], to a new 10 bedded unit at Tameside.
At present, our purpose-built unit is being constructed at the Tameside General Hospital site and it will be ready for us to join 31 st August 2022. Our Current unit will then be extensively refurbished to provide specialist intensive care for 7 female service users.
Main duties of the job
• To work with the MDT to plan, organise and deliver ward based activity programmes on an individual and group basis within the Psychiatric Intensive Care unit.
• To provide specialist support to the patient and work collaboratively with the MDT.
• To adopt a non-judgmental approach with patients, which is based upon respect and
dignity.
• To undertake ward based activities with patients that promotes recovery, are valued and undertake to increase independence.
• Contribute to the development of an overall ward based activity programme for the service that promotes involvement and choice and provides a range of therapeutic, recovery focused and age appropriate activities on the unit.
• Design, manage and promote health improvement programmes for patients.
• To support medical and nursing staff in the completion of physical health monitoring
Working for our organisation
Our team provides short-term intensive assessment, treatment, and support to Service Users, who maybe experiencing a mental health crisis crisis, and often present with a variety of complex mental health needs.
To maximise Service User recovery, the teams will be working in a trauma informed way and utilising the RAID model of care. Our aim is to work in the least restrictive way as possible whilst maintaining patient safety.
Upon joining our team, we will ensure that successful candidates undergo both mandatory and bespoke training, to fully equip them with the skills required to work within our PICU environment
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
▪ Main Purpose of Job: To provide a diverse programme of ward based activities for all patients within the Psychiatric intensive care unit, this will include health promotion and monitoring.
▪ Position in Organisation: Responsible managerially and professionally to Unit Manager and the Occupational Therapist.
▪ Scope and Authority: Under the guidance of Unit Manager and Occupational Therapist, to be autonomous in the planning and carrying out of specified ward based group activities. To undertake any other reasonable duty, which is appropriate to the band, when requested by Senior Staff
• To be familiar with and comply with all Trust and departmental policies,
procedures, protocols and guidelines
• To be aware of and work towards the Trusts strategic goals
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
* NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care or equivalent short courses and / or experience
* PMVA Qualification or commitment to complete (Trust funded).
Desirable criteria
* Evidence of further education or qualifications e.g. art, music, reminiscence
Experience
Essential criteria
* Recent experience of working in health care / care home or related area
* Experience of coordinating and running group activities
* Experience of working with a team within a health, social care or related setting
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in mental health or dementia services
* Experience of working on a mental health in-patient unit
* Experience of working in MDT mental health
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* To have an understanding of dementia and other mental health difficulties
* To understand the importance of meaningful activity to promote well-being
* Knowledge of, and ability to design suitable activities to meet patient needs
Desirable criteria
* To have knowledge of engaging community groups, arts or organisations
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Able to work independently and responsibly using own initiative
* Able to provide clear verbal instructions and present written information clearly
* Able to conduct risk assessments for groups and activities
* Able to complete a task and manage time
* Flexible to suit the needs of the service
* Confidence to facilitate group activities independently
* Ability to motivate older people with mental health problems
* Effective and flexible communication skills
* A willingness to learn and develop self and practice
Desirable criteria
* Able to seek out best practice and innovation in therapeutic activities