Activity Coordinator

Job summary

THIS POST IS FIXED TERM FOR 12 MONTHS

The Darwin Centre for Young People is excited to recruit a highly motivated Activity Co-ordinator to join our team. The Darwin Centre for Young People is a a trauma-informed 14 bed acute inpatient psychiatric unit for young people aged 13-18.

The successful applicant will work as part of the multidisciplinary team but will be supernumerary to the nursing team on each shift in order to protect group and individual patient activity. You will plan and co-ordinate the ward activity programme (mainly evenings and weekends, due to the young people accessing education), co-facilitating groups with the Nursing team, Occupational Therapist, and at times external facilitators.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working in a dynamic, and at times, challenging environment. You must be able to work flexibly, creatively, and efficiently within the MDT and have excellent communication skills, supporting and motivating the young people to engage in meaningful activity both on the ward and in the community.

You will be committed to working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and be enthusiastic about joining our skilled and supportive multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

Main duties of the job

You will work within an inpatient unit for the assessment and treatment of patients with mental health problems. You are required to work in support of qualified nurses and other health care professionals. Carry out assigned tasks supervised by a registered nurse/Occupational Therapist. Will be involved in the delivery and coordination of ward activities. To plan and coordinate the holiday activity programme with support from ward staff. To establish and maintain resources to enable participation in activities, including ordering as required. To arrange and support evening and weekend activities with support from ward staff. To organise and coordinate external facilitators To develop activities in conjunction with individuals interests and preference.

The job includes listening and talking to patients/relatives/carers, and supporting the wider team to observe patient's behaviour through activities. Involving them in diversional activities, escorting patients out of the unit, dealing with anger (explanations, negotiation and de-escalation), assisting in the management of violent episodes. Communicating within the immediate clinical team, with the unit's medical staff, and liaising with a wide range of professionals involved in care. Reporting and documenting observations.

About us

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high-quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting andempowering them to lead a fulfilling life.

Our clinical teams deliver many NHS services, not only via inpatient and primary care settings, but also within the community. These services include children's, adult and older people's mental health, forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, research and development.

To achieve our goal, we look to recruit high-calibre candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from under-represented groups including people with long term conditions and members of our ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities.

For further information on CPFT, please visit our website at

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities

The post holder will communicate with a range of professional staff, patients, carers and relatives and external agencies as appropriate. The Activity Coordinator is a member of the clinical team and plays a contributory role in facilitating the health and well-being of the patients which may include: recognising the individuality of the patient and help to meet his or her social, emotional and intellectual needs Will be involved in the delivery and coordination of ward activities Providing and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking own job. Activity Coordinator duties may be required to be undertaken under the direction and/or supervision of a qualified nurse/Occupational Therapist in line with care plans. Performing procedures only after instruction. Developing communication skills with patients/carers and relatives. Maintaining open communication with staff and other professionals. Encouraging and assisting patients to participate in group and individual therapeutic activities. Accompanying patients on therapeutic activities both on and off the unit. Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

Must be willing to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care if not already held

Desirable

Training and experience lifting, first aid, food handling, care work. Related healthcare interests or education

Experience

Essential

Experience of working with people in a caring situation, dealing with the general public. Ability to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner. Ability to generate ideas for activities.

Desirable

Experience of mental health difficulties. Previous experience of working in mental health services.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives remaining sensitive and empathetic. Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan timed activities for staff and patients. Able to take instruction and direction and work effectively as part of a team. Ability to record and retrieve information on charts/paper and electronic patient records

Personal Qualities

Essential

Compassionate - Open minded, treats colleagues, patients, carers and relatives with dignity and respect. Intuitive and caring nature Act in a way that support equality and diversity. Empathy and understanding towards people with mental illness. Effective team worker - proven team player.

Other

Essential

A valid UK driving licence Ability to carry our physical interventions. Physically able to undertake a demanding role safely, as and when required Positive approach to young people

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