Activities Co-ordinator

Job overview

An opportunity has emerged for a motivated and passionate individual to join Springbank Ward as an Activity Co-ordinator.

Springbank Ward is an award-winning service which provides inpatient treatment to women with a diagnosis of EUPD/Complex Emotional Needs. We take an innovative and least-restrictive approach as we support service-users to return to the community after frequently spending a lengthy amount of time in other inpatient settings. Our service-users typically complete a 12-month programme involving both DBT and a wider therapeutic activity and group programme. As the only NHS inpatient unit of its kind, our service-users come from across the country.

As the activity coordinator for the ward, you will work with both ward staff and the wider multi-disciplinary team to co-ordinate a timetable of therapeutic groups and activities to aid our service users' recoveries.

We operate a with a flat hierarchy and aim to support all staff to develop and grow within their role. Some of what we can offer you includes:

• Regular supervision.
• Weekly staff sessions, including reflective practice, teaching and case discussions.
• The possibility to complete training around DBT skills.
• A multi-skilled and supportive team including Psychiatry, Nursing,  Occupational Therapy and Psychology.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job include to:

• Provide and coordinate meaningful groups and activities both on the ward and in the community.
• Provide 1:1 activities and interventions in line with service-users' needs, interests and goals.
• Offer and develop group sessions around skill development, social inclusion, community integration and recovery.
• Work collaboratively with the ward team, including members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Contribute to service-improvement initiatives and development of the ward programme.
• Maintain relationships and provide support to external activity providers such as volunteers and third-sector organisations.

Please note - this role will involve some evening and weekend work. There will also be an expectation of going out with service-users into the community as part of your role.  You must have an interest in working with Personality Disorders before applying for this post.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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

To lead in the planning and organization of therapeutic groups and activities on the ward, with oversight and direction from the specialist Occupational Therapist.

Working under the regular direction/instruction of an Occupational Therapist, the activity coordinator will ensure group’s therapeutic potential is maximized with skill-development and meaningful activity in mind.

The Activity coordinator may contribute to the assessment completed by the Occupational Therapist by providing feedback on engagement and presentations within groups.

To monitor and note progress of clients and report back to the qualified  Occupational Therapist or relevant professionals/team member.

To contribute to evaluation, modifying and monitoring of the therapeutic program under supervision of a senior Occupational Therapist or relevant professional.

To develop and maintain effective, therapeutic and professional relationships with patients, including patients who may be considered difficult to engage or may present as a risk to self/others.

To assist /support / encourage patients to participate in meaningful and purposeful occupations and routines.

To work in a manner that is reflective and consistent with the CPFT PRIDE values.

To contribute and plan service improvement initiatives on the ward.

To contribute to the activity provision outside of the core Springbank timetable, including working during evenings and weekends.