Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Health Care Assistant/Activity Organiser

The closing date is 28 April 2026

Job summary

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Health Care Assistant Activities Co-ordinator Band 3 to join our team on Holford Ward, a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Wellsprings Hospital Site. This rewarding role sits within the Adult Mental Health and Learning Difficulties Directorate, supporting adults experiencing acute mental health challenges

You will work closely with qualified nurses, occupational therapist, and other professionals to deliver high-quality care and therapeutic engagement

This is a hands-on role where creativity, empathy, and interpersonal skills are key. You'll contribute to care planning, observe and report patient progress, and help shape an environment that supports recovery. Flexibility is essential, as the role may involve working evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays, and lone working

If you are passionate about mental health care and motivated to make a difference, we would love to hear from you

Main duties of the job

  • Support qualified nurses and professionals in the assessment and treatment of patients
  • Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to assist in the patients recovery
  • Observe and report patient behaviour and progress to the clinical team
  • Assist with risk assessments
  • Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to team handovers and meetings
  • Promote therapeutic meal times and support patients with personal care and hygiene
  • May be required to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and undertake lone working during activities

This vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications

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.

Details

Date posted

14 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-4710

Job locations

Wellsprings Hospital

Cheddon Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 7AU


Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Band 3 HCA/Activities Co-ordinator, you will:

  • Engage Patients: Build rapport and motivate patients to engage with the MDT to support their recovery
  • Collaborate: Work alongside Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and nursing staff with individual rehabilitation goals
  • Plan & Organise: Manage your own time
  • Support Clinical Practice: Participate in clinical discussions, contribute to care planning, and risk management
  • Maintain Safety & Compliance: Adhere to Trust policies, health and safety regulations, and safeguarding procedures. Participate in mandatory training and supervision
  • Contribute to Service Development: Engage in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and evaluations to enhance patient care
  • Drive & Transport: May be required to drive ward vehicles for off-site activities (valid driving licence and appropriate insurance required - desired)

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Band 3 HCA/Activities Co-ordinator, you will:

  • Engage Patients: Build rapport and motivate patients to engage with the MDT to support their recovery
  • Collaborate: Work alongside Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and nursing staff with individual rehabilitation goals
  • Plan & Organise: Manage your own time
  • Support Clinical Practice: Participate in clinical discussions, contribute to care planning, and risk management
  • Maintain Safety & Compliance: Adhere to Trust policies, health and safety regulations, and safeguarding procedures. Participate in mandatory training and supervision
  • Contribute to Service Development: Engage in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and evaluations to enhance patient care
  • Drive & Transport: May be required to drive ward vehicles for off-site activities (valid driving licence and appropriate insurance required - desired)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • A good standard of general education
  • Adequate literacy skills

Desirable

  • NVQ Level 2

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with people, for example, in a health care setting as an HCA or rehabilitation assistant, particularly with mental health needs and dementia

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a mental health setting
  • Experience in working in groups or individualised working

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Good Communication skills
  • Compassionate - with good interpersonal skills
  • Professional and patient focussed
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • A good standard of general education
  • Adequate literacy skills

Desirable

  • NVQ Level 2

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with people, for example, in a health care setting as an HCA or rehabilitation assistant, particularly with mental health needs and dementia

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a mental health setting
  • Experience in working in groups or individualised working

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Good Communication skills
  • Compassionate - with good interpersonal skills
  • Professional and patient focussed

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wellsprings Hospital

Cheddon Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 7AU


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wellsprings Hospital

Cheddon Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 7AU


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Amanda Fear

amanda.fear@somersetft.nhs.uk

01823368211

Details

Date posted

14 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-4710

Job locations

Wellsprings Hospital

Cheddon Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 7AU


Supporting documents

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