North London NHS Foundation Trust

Activity Worker

The closing date is 11 August 2025

Job summary

Activity Worker, Hospital Division

Full Time: 37.5 hours per week (Shifts and some weekend working)

We are looking for highly motivated people to be part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing positive care for our service users across Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust's Hospital Division, in the role of Band 3 Activity Worker.

Working on our acute inpatient wards at Highgate Mental Health Centre campus, the post-holder will be supervised by the ward OT and will work with the ward team to co-ordinate a programme of meaningful ward activities based on service user choice and interests.

Training and a robust induction will be provided to support the post holder in this sometimes challenging environment and support role and professional development. Post holders will be expected to participate in their own skill development and engage in supervision and reflective practice as part of the role. All ward based staff are required to undertake training in the Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA).

It is advised that any applicants make contact with either lead OT at point of application to discuss the role.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be ward based, providing a programme of meaningful activity in order to support service user recovery. They will be expected to co-ordinate and run a variety of individual and group activities based on service user choice.

The post holder will liaise closely with nursing and OT staff to maximise opportunities for positive engagement in line with service user care plans.

The working pattern will comprise two shift patterns, including some weekend working.

The post holder will be required to maintain individual service user records and additional information to support audit.

The post holder will be responsible for carrying out all duties in a manner that will respect and maintain the dignity of the individual patient at all times.

About us

North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.Our Five-Year Strategy:

We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.

With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all

We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.

Why NLFT?

We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.

We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme

Excellent internal staff network

In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.

Date posted

28 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£30,546 to £32,207 a year Per annum inclusive of HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

455-NLFT-0294

Job locations

Highgate Mental Health Centre

Dartmouth Park Hill

London

N19 5NX

Job description

Job responsibilities

To coordinate a programme of ward activity and support service users to engage in a range of activity opportunities.
To undertake supervision of patients as delegated and within sphere of own competence.
To accompany patients to different on and off site venues appropriate to the activities in their care plan.
To recognize and report a change in the patients behavior in relation to their mental state. To observe and report on patients abilities and progress with activities.
Under supervision, to record interventions with patients in the multi-disciplinary notes. To participate in the maintenance of a safe environment by being aware of ones own safety and always negotiating plans with the shift co-coordinator.
To act as a resource for patients to assist them in continuing their interests and skills when discharged from the ward(s).
Obtain patient and/or carers views about services provided and involve them in decision making in relation to activity planning.
Accept regular training in the prevention and management of violence as required within their sphere of practice.
Undertakes other tasks in consultation with the ward O

This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To coordinate a programme of ward activity and support service users to engage in a range of activity opportunities.
To undertake supervision of patients as delegated and within sphere of own competence.
To accompany patients to different on and off site venues appropriate to the activities in their care plan.
To recognize and report a change in the patients behavior in relation to their mental state. To observe and report on patients abilities and progress with activities.
Under supervision, to record interventions with patients in the multi-disciplinary notes. To participate in the maintenance of a safe environment by being aware of ones own safety and always negotiating plans with the shift co-coordinator.
To act as a resource for patients to assist them in continuing their interests and skills when discharged from the ward(s).
Obtain patient and/or carers views about services provided and involve them in decision making in relation to activity planning.
Accept regular training in the prevention and management of violence as required within their sphere of practice.
Undertakes other tasks in consultation with the ward O

This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.

Person Specification

Experience or qualification

Essential

Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties or associated training

Desirable

6 months + experience

Communication skills

Essential

Excellent written communication skills

Meaningful activity & recovery

Essential

Understanding the value of meaningful activity and recovery principles

Desirable

Experience of using meaningful activity to support recovery

Practical skill sharing

Essential

Experience or understanding of teaching a practical skill

Team work

Essential

Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable

NHS experience

Experience

Essential

Ability to manage own work load

Desirable

ability to recognise own stressors and ask for support as needed

Person Specification

Experience or qualification

Essential

Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties or associated training

Desirable

6 months + experience

Communication skills

Essential

Excellent written communication skills

Meaningful activity & recovery

Essential

Understanding the value of meaningful activity and recovery principles

Desirable

Experience of using meaningful activity to support recovery

Practical skill sharing

Essential

Experience or understanding of teaching a practical skill

Team work

Essential

Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable

NHS experience

Experience

Essential

Ability to manage own work load

Desirable

ability to recognise own stressors and ask for support as needed

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

North London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Highgate Mental Health Centre

Dartmouth Park Hill

London

N19 5NX

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

North London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Highgate Mental Health Centre

Dartmouth Park Hill

London

N19 5NX

Employer's website

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