Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Activity Coordinator

The closing date is 19 November 2025

Job summary

Under the guidance of a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) and Ward Manager, you will be expected to assist in the delivery of recreational activities within the service. Activities will be delivered one to one and through group work and may include creative, social and physical activities, the majority of which will be on the ward environment. We are looking for someone who can work flexibly; you will be required to work a shift pattern of 11.30 - 19.30 Monday to Friday and rotating weekend shifts (including Saturdays and Sundays).

Ideally, you will have experience in mental health and have excellent problem solving, communication and organisational skills. You will also be instrumental in ensuring the service provide therapeutic benefit to all patients through meaningful activity, positive engagement and trauma informed approaches.

As part of the multi-disciplinary ward team (MDT), you will be developing intervention pathways and expanding our support for people from admission to discharge from the ward.

Main duties of the job

  • To liaise with the ward MDT and the therapies team in the planning of recreational activities.
  • To lead on recreational activities, working with groups of patients and patients on their own.
  • Prepare craft and any other appropriate equipment before patients arrive.
  • Maintain stocks of appropriate supplies for use in the activities provided; informing the ward manager of any shortages of stock or equipment needed.
  • To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interests and skills, and actively involve them in deciding and planning their participation in activities.
  • To be aware of individual patients' needs through communication with Occupational Therapy and ward MDT.
  • To liaise with the wider multi-disciplinary team, including nursing, psychiatry, physiotherapy and dietetics in order to encourage collaboration with the therapeutic timetable.
  • To look for opportunities to add volunteers to the group programme and provide guidance and support for volunteers to enable them to deliver activities effectively.
  • To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patients to activities.
  • To have an awareness of the situations that may make patients vulnerable or at risk.
  • To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.
  • To respect patients choices and confidentiality at all times.
  • To record interventions in an agreed format.
  • To ensure engagement and therapeutic observations are delivered in collaboration with the ward MDT

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

  • Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
  • Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
  • If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
  • We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedicatio
  • Benefits
  • 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
  • Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
  • Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
  • £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
  • Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

  • Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
  • Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
  • Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details

Date posted

10 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

364-A-9512

Job locations

Brockfield House

Kemble Way

Wickford

SS11 7FE


Job description

Job responsibilities

Administration:

  • To be computer literate.
  • To complete necessary case notes.
  • To note any faulty equipment and inform qualified staff.
  • To ensure work areas are kept clean and tidy.

Profession Specific Duties:

  • Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required.
  • Attend ward MDT Meetings as required
  • To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process.
  • To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing.
  • Any other duties as delegated by your Director or Chief Executive commensurate with the responsibilities of this post.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Administration:

  • To be computer literate.
  • To complete necessary case notes.
  • To note any faulty equipment and inform qualified staff.
  • To ensure work areas are kept clean and tidy.

Profession Specific Duties:

  • Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required.
  • Attend ward MDT Meetings as required
  • To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process.
  • To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing.
  • Any other duties as delegated by your Director or Chief Executive commensurate with the responsibilities of this post.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience
  • Understanding the use of activities
  • Experience of working with people with mental health problems

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in the NHS

Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of group planning
  • Understanding of health and safety

Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language
  • Self and time management skills
  • Empathy
  • Experience in group work/skills

Desirable

  • Record keeping

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Organisational values
  • Listening and communication skills
  • Compassionate
Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience
  • Understanding the use of activities
  • Experience of working with people with mental health problems

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in the NHS

Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of group planning
  • Understanding of health and safety

Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language
  • Self and time management skills
  • Empathy
  • Experience in group work/skills

Desirable

  • Record keeping

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Organisational values
  • Listening and communication skills
  • Compassionate

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

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Brockfield House

Kemble Way

Wickford

SS11 7FE


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Brockfield House

Kemble Way

Wickford

SS11 7FE


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head Occupational Therapist

Kelly Burgess

kelly.burgess@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

10 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

364-A-9512

Job locations

Brockfield House

Kemble Way

Wickford

SS11 7FE


Supporting documents

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