Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the therapy and nursing team at the Irwell Unit.
We are looking for an organized and enthusiastic individual with experience in working within the inpatient mental health sector.
The individual will be dynamic, and be able to work well independently as well as working on their own.
They will be able to plan and organize as well as deliver activities to our male working age patients and older age patients.
Main duties of the job
The role involves working with the inpatient therapy team providing and delivering a programme of creative, social, and therapeutic activities; under the guidance and supervision of the occupational therapy team.
You will have experience of establishing, coordinating, and running individual and group recovery and therapeutic activities.
You will work with individuals and groups in order to help them maximise their recovery needs and achieve independence. This will involve helping them manage symptoms, and develop their own diversional and coping skills.
You will be working within a supportive multidisciplinary team, caring for patients with a wide range of needs. You will be working closely with both the nursing teams and occupational therapy teams.
Experience of mental health care is a requirement as well as experience of providing basic nursing care and engagement in therapeutic activities.
We are looking for someone who is friendly, motivated, able to work using their own initiative and someone who can work creatively to engage with others.
We expect demand for this post to be high. Please ensure you demonstrate how you met both essential and desired criteria in your application form.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification to support your application for this post. Please refer to the essential criteria in the person specification which will highlight the skills, knowledge and experience you will need to demonstrate in your application, by way of example, to give yourself the best opportunity to be shortlisted.
Person specification
Education/Qualification
Essential criteria
* NVQ2 level education plus experience equivalent to NVQ3 level.
Desirable criteria
* NVQ3 or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
* Recent experience of working in health care or related area.
* Experience of coordinating and running group activities.
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in mental health and preferably an in-patient setting.
* Experience of working in a Multi- Disciplinary Team
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* To have an understanding of mental health difficulties
* To understand the importance of meaningful activity to promote recovery for people with mental health difficulties.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Able to provide clear verbal instructions and present written information clearly.
* Able to recognise the role of others in the team.
* 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 people with severe and enduring mental health problems.
* Able to complete training in Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression
Desirable criteria
* Able to promote role within an MDT
* Additional skills in risk management would be an advantage
📝 Application support - We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, please apply as soon as possible.