Activity Co-ordinatorNHS

Job summary

Under the guidance of a registered Occupational Therapist (OT), 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; as well as working week days, you may also be required to work some early evenings and weekends.

Main duties of the job

Ideally, you will have experience in mental health and have excellent problem solving, communication and organisational skills.

As part of the multi-disciplinary ward team, you will be developing intervention pathways and expanding our support for people with chronic, long-term mental health needs.

Job description

• To liaise with Occupational Therapy staff 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 Nursing staff.
• 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.
• Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience.

To support this one workforce model the successful candidate for this post will be required to attend our 5 day (Monday to Friday) face to face Induction Programme at our MSE ICS Education Hub at Brentwood Community Hospital. Your start date will therefore fall on one of two of the HCA Academy induction dates across the month, which will be discussed and agreed during the recruitment process.

Our HCA Academy Induction programme has been designed to train and support the successful candidate through the early stages of their employment at EPUT and will provide opportunities to enhance skills, knowledge and experience.

Further information will be provided post interview.

This will be followed by an additional 5 day (Monday to Friday) EPUT corporate / mandatory training welcome. (EPUT Welcome will be varied between face to face and virtual delivery).

About us

EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;

• Season Ticket Loans
• NHS discounts for staff
• Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
• Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
• The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
• Day One Flexible Employer

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment

Join our Staff bank

What is Staff Bank?

Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.

All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.

If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.