Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Activity Support Worker to join the therapies team within the Forensic Inpatient Service at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. Working as part of a well-established Occupational Therapy team, you will support the delivery of therapeutic, vocational, educational and recreational activities that promote recovery, independence, wellbeing and social inclusion for service users within a secure forensic environment.
The Forensic Inpatient Service provides specialist assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery-focused care for adults with severe and enduring mental health needs who require care within secure forensic services. The service comprises medium secure and low secure inpatient wards, providing treatment and care under the Mental Health Act for men and women who have mental health difficulties and are assessed as posing a significant risk of harm to themselves or others.
The primary aim of the service is to provide a safe, therapeutic and recovery-oriented environment in which service users can develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to progress towards greater independence and a meaningful life within the community. Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary team approach, incorporating medical, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, peer support and other specialist professions.
Main duties of the job
As an Activity Support Worker, you will work as an integral member of the Occupational Therapy team, supporting the planning, delivery and evaluation of therapeutic activity programmes that promote recovery, wellbeing, independence and social inclusion.
You will facilitate a range of therapeutic, vocational, educational and recreational activities within the ward and community settings, working with individuals and groups to support engagement in meaningful occupation. You will contribute to the delivery of recovery-focused programmes and support service users to develop practical, leisure, social, educational and vocational skills that enhance confidence and promote progression through their recovery journey.
The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to motivate and encourage participation, and a commitment to working in a person-centred and recovery-focused way. You will contribute to care planning processes, monitor and report on service user progress, maintain accurate records and work collaboratively with members of the multidisciplinary team and external partners.
You will also support service development, quality improvement initiatives and audits, helping to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-informed and recovery-oriented care within a secure forensic environment.
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 as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
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 of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Unless expressly stated in the job advert the role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To deliver a programme of therapeutic, recreational, vocational and educational activities within the service and community settings.
To support service users to engage in meaningful therapeutic activities that promote recovery, independence, well-being and social inclusion.
To support access to and engagement in the cross-ward activity programme.
To co-facilitate recovery-focused courses alongside peer trainers, Occupational Therapists and multidisciplinary team members.
To contribute to the development and delivery of a varied ward-based activity programme that meets the needs of service users at different stages of recovery.
To contribute to the implementation and review of individual recovery goals through the my shared pathway process, monitoring progress, and adapting interventions in collaboration with the registered Occupational Therapist.
To work independently, within agreed treatment plans, facilitating both group and individual interventions delegated by a registered Occupational Therapist.
To develop and maintain professional relationships with service users, recognising and respecting individual strengths, diversity, culture, preferences and autonomy.
To motivate, encourage and support individuals and groups to participate in therapeutic activities and recovery focussed interventions.
To maintain accurate and timely electronic and written records in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and information governance requirements.
Ensure activity and outcome data are recorded and reported as required
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications
If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.
Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.
Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To deliver a programme of therapeutic, recreational, vocational and educational activities within the service and community settings.
To support service users to engage in meaningful therapeutic activities that promote recovery, independence, well-being and social inclusion.
To support access to and engagement in the cross-ward activity programme.
To co-facilitate recovery-focused courses alongside peer trainers, Occupational Therapists and multidisciplinary team members.
To contribute to the development and delivery of a varied ward-based activity programme that meets the needs of service users at different stages of recovery.
To contribute to the implementation and review of individual recovery goals through the my shared pathway process, monitoring progress, and adapting interventions in collaboration with the registered Occupational Therapist.
To work independently, within agreed treatment plans, facilitating both group and individual interventions delegated by a registered Occupational Therapist.
To develop and maintain professional relationships with service users, recognising and respecting individual strengths, diversity, culture, preferences and autonomy.
To motivate, encourage and support individuals and groups to participate in therapeutic activities and recovery focussed interventions.
To maintain accurate and timely electronic and written records in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and information governance requirements.
Ensure activity and outcome data are recorded and reported as required
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications
If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.
Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.
Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, safeguarding, confidentiality, information governance and health and safety requirements.
- Understanding of the needs and difficulties experienced by people with mental health problems.
- Understanding of professional conduct and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Desirable
- Knowledge of applying Health and Safety and risk awareness procedures and policies
- Knowledge of recovery-focused and person-centred approaches
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Qualification pertaining to health and social care, i.e. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ, Level 2 or equivalent skills acquired through in-service development or experience
- Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
- Health and social care related qualification above basic level e.g. City & Guilds final certificate, NVQ 3 or 4, Diploma or Degree
- PTTLS or equivalent teacher training qualification
- Psychology qualification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in health/social care/teaching setting
- Experience of report/letter writing and form filling
- Experience of training others in technical/ leisure skills
Desirable
- Experience of facilitating therapeutic groups in a health and social care setting
- Experience of caring for someone with a mental health difficulty
Person Specification
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, safeguarding, confidentiality, information governance and health and safety requirements.
- Understanding of the needs and difficulties experienced by people with mental health problems.
- Understanding of professional conduct and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Desirable
- Knowledge of applying Health and Safety and risk awareness procedures and policies
- Knowledge of recovery-focused and person-centred approaches
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Qualification pertaining to health and social care, i.e. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ, Level 2 or equivalent skills acquired through in-service development or experience
- Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
- Health and social care related qualification above basic level e.g. City & Guilds final certificate, NVQ 3 or 4, Diploma or Degree
- PTTLS or equivalent teacher training qualification
- Psychology qualification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in health/social care/teaching setting
- Experience of report/letter writing and form filling
- Experience of training others in technical/ leisure skills
Desirable
- Experience of facilitating therapeutic groups in a health and social care setting
- Experience of caring for someone with a mental health difficulty
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).
Employer details
Employer name
South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust
Address
Springfield University Hospital
15 Springfield Drive
London
SW17 0YF
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
