Activities Coordinator

Job summary

If you are looking to start your mental health career pathway, our Acute Wards can offer you a great environment that will enable you to develop your skills & confidence as an Activity Co-Ordinator.

Bluebell ward is one of the acute wards providing care to adults with mental health conditions such as Bipolar affective disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Bluebell ward can support the needs of up to 18 patients in a caring and compassionate environment. Based in Reading, located close to the amenities of the town centre and a leafy park, the wards work closely with patients and families to help them to identify their needs and participate actively in their care, providing a place of empathy, kindness and compassion. We have created a culture where everyone has a voice and where service users and staff collaborate to make positive change.

The Activity Co-ordinator service operates seven days a week, where your working days will rotate (including weekends) with a second Activity Co-ordinator. Working hours that suit the needs of the ward can be discussed with the hiring Manager.

The post holder will plan, coordinate and implement a range of individual and group activities designed to meet the social and recreational needs of in-patients.

The post holder will be required to use their initiative when working independently on the wards and are expected to report any clinical progress, concerns or change to a qualified practitioner.

Main duties of the job

• To demonstrate a knowledge and awareness of current clinical issues in relation to people currently experiencing mental health problems.

• To take the lead in planning a range of therapeutic activities that are appropriate for the needs of patients in agreement with the multi-disciplinary team.

• To be able to establish effective therapeutic engagement and relationships with inpatients and carers.

• To be able to assess patient's well-being during activities and social interactions and monitor progress.

• To adapt activities to meet the needs of people and provide a calming, de-escalating manner at all times.

• To provide verbal and written feedback to relevant multidisciplinary team members following activities as required.

• To complete robust documentation of each session within the patients' care record following an activity.

• To risk assess all activities provided and ensure individual risk assessments for patients participating in these activities on or off the ward is read and understood.

• To agree with the Ward Manager appropriate equipment needed, oversee the maintenance of activities equipment used on the ward and prepare craft and any other appropriate equipment before patients arrive.

• To engage in the Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression training which will include physical intervention therefore the post hold will need to be physically fit.

About us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites