Activity Co-ordinator

Job overview

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Activity Coordinator/Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team on an acute mental health ward. Jasmine Ward is a 16 bedded unit that offers care and treatment for male and female patients over 75 years of age. The service offers Inpatient care for older people with mental health problems, provides assessment and treatment of older people with a range of diagnoses, who require hospital care due to the severity of need.

We are looking for individuals who have a genuine passion in working with elderly patients and are willing to make a difference in their lives. If that is you, we would love to hear from you. The post is for 37.5 hours per week, 1 year fixed term contract and you will be required to work 9-5 range shifts across 7 days.

Main duties of the job

In this vital role, you will support the planning and delivery of therapeutic activities that promote recovery, wellbeing, and social inclusion for service users experiencing acute mental health challenges. Working closely with Occupational Therapists and clinical staff, you will help facilitate group and individual interventions tailored to patient needs, encourage participation in meaningful occupation, and contribute to holistic care planning. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To work effectively as a member of a team in providing a programme of ward, department or community based therapeutic activities.
• To undertake skilled technical/creative and specialised support work, engage clients in therapeutic activities to promote independence and well-being.
• To work with members of the team to plan a culturally sensitive programme of activities to encourage engagement, promote enjoyment and alleviate boredom.
• To engage clients in the design and evaluation of the activity programme.
• To facilitate groups on the ward as identified in the activity programme of social and creative activities to an identified client group.
• To work with the ward manager to identify other contributors to the activities programme e.g. smoking cessation workers, benefits advisors, complimentary therapies.
• To implement and evaluate OT and team interventions as required, providing a range of activities that support the client to achieve agreed goals.
• According to service needs, to be responsible for designated case load under supervision.
• To work single handedly, facilitating group or individual work, planned with a registered OT.
• To form professional relationships with clients communicating with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
• To instruct and guide individuals/groups of clients in the use of therapeutic activities.
• To report effectively to the team on clients’ performance/progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.
• To provide relevant information, written and oral, for documents relating to clients progress.
• To correspond with external agencies on clinical matters, under direction of registered staff.
• To develop a wide knowledge base of local leisure and social opportunities and support clients to participate.
• To monitor client’s progress, taking account of their environment and adjust own clinical interventions accordingly, promoting a recovery approach to interventions.
• Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications

If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.

Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.

Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.