Activities Co-ordinator

Job Summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled, motivated and passionate Activities Co‑ordinator to join the Therapies team at the Elgar Unit, Newtown Hospital. The role focuses on working within the adult mental health in‑patient pathway and the Hadley Unit is a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit caring for working‑age adults with mental illnesses who may be detained under the Mental Health Act. The Activities Co‑ordinator works as part of a dedicated in‑patient multi‑disciplinary team, under the supervision of Occupational Therapists, to provide a range of therapeutic and ward‑based leisure activities for working‑age adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis and have been admitted to our unit. This is a full‑time role that requires evening, weekend and bank holiday work and a minimum of 35.5 hours per week. The Trust does not routinely provide sponsorship for this role. Regular supervision, reflective practice and training opportunities will be encouraged. Main Duties of the Job Develop and facilitate an activity programme, working closely with the multi‑disciplinary team to provide meaningful engagement on an individual or group basis. Ensure activities are risk‑assessed, safe and effective. Build a therapeutic relationship with patients, relatives and carers to encourage interest and participation in activities suited to their needs and interests, promoting independence and well‑being. Manage the timetabling and delivery of group and individual activities, working flexibly including evenings and weekends where required. Observe, monitor and record patient activity and health status, communicating appropriately any change to multi‑disciplinary team members. Develop an understanding of clinical conditions affecting cognition and function and how therapeutic activities can be used appropriately. About Us Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust runs community hospitals and community health services across Worcestershire and provides mental health and learning disability services across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We support you to thrive; offer flexible working options for a great work‑life balance, help you fulfil your ambitions, and empower you to make positive changes within your team or service. What we offer 27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when you work unsocial hours Flexible and agile working opportunities Great maternity, paternity and adoption support Wide range of supportive staff networks Health and wellbeing opportunities Qualifications – Essential NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience in a related subject (e.g., Health & Social Care) Willingness to undertake training as required Proof of original certificates at the point of offer Experience – Essential Experience working with different professionals Practical and organisational skills such as cooking, crafts, exercise, etc. Experience using activity as a form of engagement Experience – Desirable Experience supporting people suffering with mental health illness Experience working in a care setting Experience facilitating group work Essential Skills & Abilities Compassion and empathy Ability to work autonomously and within a team, with guidance and support as required Flexible approach to work Time management skills Self‑awareness and self‑management in a complex environment Completion of statutory and mandatory training (e.g., Safety Intervention/Breakaway, subject to Occupational Health clearance) Good observational skills Interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication Alignment with Trust values and modelled behaviour IT literacy Ability to challenge poor behaviour and model good behaviour Positive attitude and openness to feedback Ability to praise and support others Desirable Skills & Abilities Support for relatives and carers of people with mental illness Commitment to ongoing learning about caring for people with mental health illness Additional Criteria – Essential Ability to work flexibly hours to suit client group Able to attend and participate in all mandatory and statutory training events Understanding that the Trust does not routinely provide sponsorship for this role Knowledge – Essential Understanding of Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Confidentiality Knowledge – Desirable Knowledge of person‑centred practice Knowledge of therapeutic activities using technical creative skills Understanding of the therapeutic use and value of activity Understanding the impact mental health issues can have on individuals Person Specification – Essential Understanding of Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Confidentiality Person Specification – Desirable Knowledge of person‑centred practice Knowledge of therapeutic activities using technical creative skills Understanding of the therapeutic use and value of activity Understanding the impact mental health issues can have on individuals Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer Details Employer name: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust Address: Hadley Ward, Elgar Unit, Newtown Hospital, Newtown Road, Worcester, WR5 1JG Website: https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/careers Contact For further information or to apply, please visit the employer’s website or contact the HR team. EEO Statement The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr