Job summary
Employer heading
Activity Coordinator
NHS AfC: Band 3
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.
We won’t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Activity Co ordiantor who currently holds a Relevant level 3 or above qualification e.g. in health and/or social care, communication, teaching and Numeracy, Literacy Level2 (or equivalent).
The post holder is responsible for planning and providing appropriate activities to meet the general therapeutic, social and recreational needs of clients.
To work with delegated service users who remain the responsibility of the lead nurse/responsible clinician, often working without direct supervision.
To engage service users and their carer’s in activities and encourage them in a compassionate manner, to support them in engaging in meaningful activity, promote independence and well-being through a client-centred approach.
The postholder will liaise with clients, the relevant disciplines, departments and families involved in the care of the client to ensure that planned activities reflect the needs of the person and are reflected in the client’s plan of care.
The postholder will promote the value of engagement in social interaction and recreational activity with clients, their carer’s, the multi-disciplinary team and others involved in each person’s care.
To provide the best possible experience for service users and carers and to show commitment to and participate in quality improvement activities.
Main duties of the job
Plans and facilitates a range of activities for clients with a variety of needs, some of which may be complex in nature under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
Takes the lead in developing and formulating diversional/recreational activity programmes, for both individuals and groups of clients as appropriate and in collaboration with occupational therapy and nursing staff.
Co-facilitates groups with e.g. HCA`s and nurses, occupational therapy staff, fitness instructors and third sector agencies as appropriate, checking that all relevance governance is in place where necessary.
Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of current clinical issues affecting clients working under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Service users may demonstrate behaviours that challenge or have difficult family situations of relevance
To liaise with relevant services, to provide an activity programme that will meet the needs of clients and promote heir best possible engagement.
To be able to establish effective therapeutic engagement and relationships with service users and carers
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a multi-professional team, communicating effectively with all team members for the benefit of service users. Provides information and practical advice, within scope of own competency to clients and carers, as well as the wider multi-disciplinary team
Working for our organisation
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.
We won’t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Relevant level 3 or above qualification e.g. in health and/or social care, communication, teaching
- Numeracy, Literacy Level 2 (or equivalent)
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of paid, voluntary or personally of working with people with a learning disability or mental health issues
- Experience of supporting engagement of others in activity
Skills
Essential criteria
- Good communication skills, written and verbal
- Good observation skills
- Ability to work in a team and independently
- Ability to plan and implement activities
- Ability to manage own time
- Ability to engage and motivate others
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Awareness of needs of service users with Mental Health conditions or learning disabilities
- Awareness of the needs of individuals from diverse social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
- Understanding of the value and benefit of activity to mental wellbeing
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Abigail Phillips
- Job title
- Ward Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
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