Job summary
The successful post holders will be responsible for planning and providing appropriate activities to meet the general therapeutic, social and recreational needs of individual service users.
This includes working with others to develop and establish a timetable of activities which can be delivered across the ward both individually and within groups and also in the local community. This will need to be flexible and patient centred, changing regularly according to the needs of a patient cohort, and according to the interests of individuals at any given time.
Minster Ward is an 18 bedded Acute Mental Health unit for working age male adults. As a team we are passionate in promoting independence and working to build the confidence of our patients through activity and collaborative working.
We pride ourselves in providing a high standard of care within a multi-disciplinary approach, which is recovery focused. We believe we are progressive and forward thinking, seeking to improve our service. We offer varied training opportunities to support our team and individuals' development.
The post holder will do both ward based activities and also help reintegrate our patient into the local community. Risk awareness is essential for this post. The post holder needs to be enthusiastic and show a good understanding of the importance of activity for good mental health
Main duties of the job
We are looking for people who can work relatively independently, using their own skills (art and craft, cooking/baking, gardening, music and exercise, puzzles and games) to support patients in engaging with meaningful activity, and through this promote wellbeing using a client centred approach.
You will need to be able to communicate well with a wide range of individuals, adapting your communication style according to individual need in a responsive manner.
Although this role will primarily focus on the delivery and planning of activities there will be an expectation for the successful candidate to deliver direct patient care and work directly with the nursing team to ensure Patient care and safety is the main priority. This role will also work closely with out discharge facilitator to help reintegrate our patients into their local community, building support networks outside of the hospital environment.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
Details
Date posted
02 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
£24,465 to £26,598 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
346-NYA-122-25-A
Job locations
Foss Park Hospital
Haxby Road
York
YO31 8TA
Job description
Job responsibilities
The successful candidates who do not hold the required qualifications will be expected to enrol on the Activity Coordinator Framework which will include the acquisition of the Level 3 Certificate in Activity Provision in Social Care Distance learning, level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent and achievement of competencies. You will have a maximum of 2 years to complete this.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Due to the nature of the role it is desirable that applicants are able to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Desirable
1. Numeracy, Literacy and ITQ Level 2 (or equivalent)
Experience
Essential
2. Experience of paid, voluntary (or on a personal level) of engaging with people with a learning disability or mental health issues
Desirable
3. Experience of supporting engagement of others in activity
Knowledge
Essential
4. Awareness of needs of people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities
5. Awareness of the needs of inidvdiuals from diverse social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
6. Understanding of the value and benefit of activity to mental wellbeing
personal attributes
Essential
7. Compassionate in meeting the needs of vulnerable people and their families and carers.
8. Flexible and adaptable
9. Able to work in accordance with the Staff Compact and Trust Values and Behaviours
10. Ability to work in a calm confident manner
11. Committed to continual quality and service improvement
12. Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities
13. Self awareness and committed to continual personal development
Skills
Essential
14. Good verbal communication skills
15. Good observation skills
16. Ability to work in a team
17. Ability to engage and motivate others
Desirable
18. Good written communication skills