Job summary
We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual for the pivotal role a Activity Coordinator at our values-driven Trust. This is a unique opportunity for someone to help shape the future of mental health services while developing a career in a supportive and innovative environment that is committed to inclusion, equity and being actively anti-racist.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative Short Stay mixed gender Psychiatric Ward operating on a maximum 28-day admission framework. The model integrates evidence-based approaches including robust gatekeeping processes, intensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, the Red to Green discharge facilitation approach, and strong integration with Home Treatment Teams (HTT) for both admission prevention and early supported discharge.
We are keen to welcome both non-clinical staff and clinicians both with experience and those who are new to mental health. You will need to demonstrate you are forward thinking with a proactive nature and excellent communication and relational skills. Championing patient centred care and collaboration with carers and families is critical to success in securing a position within the team.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Activity Coordinator to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team on our new acute ward. In this vital role, you will support the planning and delivery of therapeutic activities that promote recovery, wellbeing, and social inclusion for service users experiencing acute mental health challenges. You will be working closely with Occupational Therapists and clinical staff, you will help facilitate group and individual interventions tailored to patient needs, encourage participation in meaningful occupation, and contribute to holistic care planning. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
Additionally, you will work with other members of the multidisciplinary team including seasonal workers and volunteers to coordinate and deliver a programme of creative and social activities. Duties will include the direct provision of group and one-to-one activities with clients in the ward. You will provide information to clients about the ward routine and to ensure clients access information appropriately.
The post is likely to include working during weekends and evenings to facilitate a comprehensive seven-day program of activities for the ward. The postholder will support the ward's seven-day activity schedule, hence this role may require weekend and evening working hours.
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
About our locations:
Springfield University Hospital, Tooting
Our largest, 19-ward site is in Springfield Village, created following our £150m investment into two new world class mental health facilities. A 32-acre public park, shops and cafes are coming soon. Close to shops, cafes and Tooting Bec on the Northern Line plus Earlsfield and Tooting rail stations and bus routes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To work effectively as a member of a team in providing a programme of ward, department or community based therapeutic activities.
- To undertake skilled technical/creative and specialised support work, engage clients in therapeutic activities to promote independence and well-being.
- To work with members of the team to plan a culturally sensitive programme of activities to encourage engagement, promote enjoyment and alleviate boredom.
- To engage clients in the design and evaluation of the activity programme.
- To facilitate groups on the ward as identified in the activity programme of social and creative activities to an identified client group.
- To work with the ward manager to identify other contributors to the activities programme e.g. smoking cessation workers, benefits advisors, complimentary therapies.
- To implement and evaluate OT and team interventions as required, providing a range of activities that support the client to achieve agreed goals.
- According to service needs, to be responsible for designated case load under supervision.
- To work single handedly, facilitating group or individual work, planned with a registered OT
- To monitor clients progress, taking account of their environment and adjust own clinical interventions accordingly, promoting a recovery approach to interventions.
- Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To work effectively as a member of a team in providing a programme of ward, department or community based therapeutic activities.
- To undertake skilled technical/creative and specialised support work, engage clients in therapeutic activities to promote independence and well-being.
- To work with members of the team to plan a culturally sensitive programme of activities to encourage engagement, promote enjoyment and alleviate boredom.
- To engage clients in the design and evaluation of the activity programme.
- To facilitate groups on the ward as identified in the activity programme of social and creative activities to an identified client group.
- To work with the ward manager to identify other contributors to the activities programme e.g. smoking cessation workers, benefits advisors, complimentary therapies.
- To implement and evaluate OT and team interventions as required, providing a range of activities that support the client to achieve agreed goals.
- According to service needs, to be responsible for designated case load under supervision.
- To work single handedly, facilitating group or individual work, planned with a registered OT
- To monitor clients progress, taking account of their environment and adjust own clinical interventions accordingly, promoting a recovery approach to interventions.
- Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
Person Specification
Training & Qualification
Essential
- Formal technical qualification e.g. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ Level 2 or equivalent skills acquired through in-service development or experience
Desirable
- Training or qualification in a discipline directly relevant to mental health work
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in health/social care/teaching setting
- Experience of working both independently as well as providing group and 1:1 activities
- An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people who experience mental health problems
- Good personal organisation skills and ability to work as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with mental health problems
Person Specification
Training & Qualification
Essential
- Formal technical qualification e.g. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ Level 2 or equivalent skills acquired through in-service development or experience
Desirable
- Training or qualification in a discipline directly relevant to mental health work
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in health/social care/teaching setting
- Experience of working both independently as well as providing group and 1:1 activities
- An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people who experience mental health problems
- Good personal organisation skills and ability to work as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with mental health problems
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
