The closing date is 14th Oct 2025
Anticipated Interview date(s) 23rd October
Job summary
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults with mental health needs? We are seeking a compassionate and creative Activities Co-ordinator to join our dedicated team at Rowan Ward 2. This role is central to enhancing the wellbeing of our service users through meaningful, therapeutic activities that support recovery and improve quality of life.
You will work closely with Occupational Therapists, nursing staff, and the wider multi-disciplinary team to plan and deliver a diverse programme of group and individual activities. This is a hands-on role that requires empathy, initiative, and a genuine commitment to person-centred care.
Main duties, tasks & skills required
* 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'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.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
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
Essential
* Good standard of general education
* Adequate literacy skills
* NVQ Level 2
Desirable
* NVQ Level 3 of Creative Activity Therapist (CAT)
* Access to own private transport
Experience
Essential
* 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
Desirable
* 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
Essential
* 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.
For help with your application, contact:
Claire Cook
Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£ to £ Yearly
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-Time
Reference number
184-OL-GR-3218
Job locations
Rowan Ward
56 Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2BX