Activities Coordinator

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Newhaven Community Ward provides rehabilitation-focused inpatient care for adults recovering from acute illness, injury, surgery or complex health conditions. Our aim is to support patients in regaining independence and confidence in preparation for a safe and timely return home or onward community placement.

The Activities Coordinator plays a vital role in enhancing patients physical, emotional and social wellbeing through a structured programme of meaningful, therapeutic and recreational activities. Working as part of the wider multidisciplinary team, you will design and deliver activities that complement clinical rehabilitation plans, encourage engagement, and improve quality of life.

You will work closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nursing staff, support workers, patients and families to ensure each activity is appropriate, person-centred and tailored to individual needs and goals. Activities may include gentle physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, social interaction, crafts, reminiscence, orientation support, music, games, outdoor activities, and daily livingfocused tasks designed to promote independence.

This role requires a compassionate, proactive and creative individual who can use strong communication skills to build rapport with patients who may have reduced mobility, cognitive impairment, low motivation or long-term conditions. You will be a key contributor to creating a positive and stimulating ward environment, reducing isolation and promoting a sense of purpose, routine and achievement for patients throughout their stay.

• Develop, implement and maintain a structured weekly timetable of activities aligned to rehabilitation goals.

• Lead one-to-one and group sessions that promote mobility, independence, cognition, social interaction and emotional wellbeing.

• Adapt activities to ensure inclusivity for patients with varying physical, cognitive or sensory needs.

• Support therapeutic goals set by physiotherapists and occupational therapists through mobility exercises, ADL-focused tasks, orientation prompts, and other functional activities.

• Use creativity to design sessions that are enjoyable, engaging and meaningful for patients.

• Build positive relationships with patients and motivate participation, particularly for individuals who may be withdrawn, anxious or low in confidence.

• Provide reassurance, encouragement and emotional support to help patients engage with their rehabilitation programmes.

• Monitor patient responses, preferences and abilities to ensure activities remain suitable and therapeutic.

• Contribute to individualised care plans by providing feedback and observations to the clinical team.

• Work closely with therapists, nurses and healthcare support workers to ensure activities complement clinical interventions.

• Attend MDT discussions where appropriate and provide updates on patient engagement and progress.

• Maintain professional communication with families, carers and volunteers to support patient-centred care.

• Act as a positive ambassador for meaningful activity as an essential part of rehabilitation.

• Maintain and organise activity materials, ensuring they are safe, clean and accessible.

• Create displays, noticeboards and themed events that enhance the ward environment.

• Support seasonal celebrations, community links, outings or virtual events as appropriate.

• Contribute to maintaining a calm, inclusive and stimulating atmosphere on the ward.

• Keep accurate records of activity participation and patient engagement in accordance with Trust policies.

• Report any concerns regarding patient wellbeing, safety or safeguarding promptly to senior staff.

• Follow all infection prevention procedures, moving and handling guidelines, and health and safety policies.

• Ensure activities are risk assessed and delivered safely at all times.

• Uphold the Trusts values and commitment to compassionate, high-quality patient care.

• Participate in training, supervision and development opportunities to maintain skills and enhance practice.

• Maintain confidentiality and promote dignity and respect for every patient.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

• Good standard of general education. Achieved grades/certificates
• Basic IT skills
• Experience working with adults in a care setting
• Experience facilitating activities, group sessions or engagement programmes
• Strong communication skills

Desirable

• Experience in data collecting, Excel, and presentations.
• Experience working in a rehabilitation ward or similar healthcare setting.
• Evidence of supporting or leading on improvement projects.
• Qualification or training in activity provision, therapeutic activities, arts, sports or health related subjects.
• Training in dementia care, cognitive simulation, mental health awareness or rehabilitation support.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Newhaven Community Ward

Church Hill

Newhaven

BN9 9HH

Employer's website

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