The successful post holder 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 that can be delivered across the ward both individually and within groups and also in the local community. The activities must be flexible and patient-centred, changing regularly according to the needs of the patient cohort and the interests of individuals at any given time.
Bedale ward is a 10‑bedded Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit with both male and female patients. As a team we are passionate about promoting independence and building the confidence of our patients through activity and collaborative working.
We pride ourselves on providing a high standard of care within a multi‑disciplinary approach, which is recovery focused. We are progressive and forward‑thinking, seeking to improve our service and offering varied training opportunities to support our team and individuals’ development.
The post holder will perform both ward‑based activities and help reintegrate patients into the local community. Risk awareness is essential. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, show a good understanding of the importance of activity for good mental health, and be able to 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 promote wellbeing using a client‑centred approach.
Communication skills are required to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals, adapting communication style to individual needs 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. The role will also work closely with the discharge facilitator to help reintegrate patients into their local community and build support networks outside of the hospital environment.
Working for our organisation
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham, 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 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, connecting with communities and partners to get mental health care right in areas that really need it. We won’t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need to lead their best possible life.
Qualifications and training
The successful candidates who do not hold the required qualifications will commence on Band 2 and be expected to enrol on the Activity Co‑ordinator 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. Completion is expected within a maximum of 2 years.
Additional requirements
Due to the nature of the role, applicants must be able to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. Adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We can offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility.
Health and safety
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is committed to protecting staff, service users and visitors from second‑hand smoke and operates a no‑smoking policy that ensures all buildings and grounds are smoke‑free.
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