Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults experiencing a mental health crisis?
We are seeking a creative, compassionate Activities Co-ordinator to join our dynamic inpatient team. This fast-paced, rewarding role is central to promoting recovery and independence through meaningful, therapeutic activities.
Working closely with Occupational Therapists, nurses, and the wider multi-disciplinary team, you will plan and deliver a varied programme of social, creative, and skills‑based activities – both on the ward and in the community. Using resources such as art, crafts, music, exercise, gardening, and cooking, you will engage service users in ways that enhance wellbeing and social inclusion.
Strong communication skills, experience facilitating groups, and an understanding of mental health needs are essential.
If you have the creativity and determination to make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
* Develop and deliver engaging activity programmes tailored to individual patient needs.
* Facilitate group sessions and 1:1 activities that promote wellbeing and recovery.
* Collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team to support therapeutic goals.
* Maintain accurate records and contribute to clinical discussions and reviews.
* Assist with risk assessments for activities and venues.
* Support patients during therapeutic leave and community‑based activities.
* Promote protected mealtimes and assist with personal care when required.
* Handle activity‑related finances in line with Trust policies.
* Attend handovers, meetings, and contribute to service development initiatives.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we are 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
* Strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you will 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 an Activities Co-ordinator, you will be responsible for:
* Identifying and implementing patient-centred activities that are meaningful and enjoyable.
* Encouraging participation through motivation and rapport-building.
* Planning and organising weekly activity timetables, including therapeutic leave.
* Observing and reporting patient behaviour and progress to the clinical team.
* Supporting the Occupational Therapist in group facilitation and rehabilitation planning.
* Ensuring all activities are risk‑assessed and appropriate for the patient group.
* Maintaining equipment inventories and advising on resource needs.
* Upholding Trust policies on confidentiality, safeguarding, equality, and infection control.
* Participating in supervision, training, and continuous professional development.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Good standard of general education, adequate literacy skills, NVQ Level 2
* NVQ Level 3 of Creative Activity Therapist (CAT)
* Access to own private transport
Experience
* Experience of working with people, for example, in a health care setting as an HCA or rehabilitation assistant, particularly within mental health needs and dementia
* Previous experience of working in a mental health setting
* Experience of facilitating groups and/or 1:1 work
* Experience as an activity coordinator
Additional Criteria
* Evidence of good standard of literacy/English language skills
* Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service
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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