Activities Therapist - Mental Health

Macklin Care Homes Limited; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care provider in Belfast is seeking a full-time Activities Therapist to join its Mental Health Residential Suite. The role involves developing engaging activities for residents with mental health conditions to enhance their quality of life. Ideal candidates should demonstrate compassion, creativity, and strong communication skills. This position offers opportunities for career development and is part of a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible shifts

Employee Assistance Programme

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Free car parking

Discounted rates at Malone Hotel, Belfast

Qualifications

• Good command of written and spoken English is essential.
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet organizational needs.
• Experience or understanding of mental health practices desired.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver activities that enhance residents' quality of life.
• Collaborate with staff and residents to align activities with interests.
• Maintain records of activities and gather resident feedback.

Skills

Compassion

Creativity

Communication

Engagement

Job description

Overview

Location: Galway Suite, Our Lady's Care Home, Northern Ireland

Date Posted: 15th July 2025

Closing Date: 30th September 2025

Industry: Healthcare

Job Type: Full time

Salary: £13.03 Hourly

About the role

Activities Therapist - Mental Health

Our Lady's Care Home, based in Belfast, is actively recruiting for an experienced Activities Therapist to join our Mental Health Residential Suite on a full-time basis. Working patterns may be considered at our discretion depending on business need. This role requires compassion, creativity, and the ability to engage and support residents with a variety of mental health conditions. You will be responsible for developing and delivering an engaging and stimulating activity programme that enhances the quality of life for our residents.

Working hours: 10am - 7.30pm. Working pattern of 3 days one week and 4 days alternate week.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Development: Design and implement a schedule of in-house entertainment, outings, and group activities that are mentally and physically stimulating for residents.
• Collaboration & Planning: Work closely with the Residential Manager, staff, and residents to ensure activities align with their needs and interests.
• External Supplier Coordination: Obtain approval from the Residential Manager before engaging external entertainers or service providers.
• Resident Engagement: Regularly gather feedback from residents and incorporate their hobbies and interests into the activity programme.
• Documentation & Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records (both manually and electronically) of all activities and events.
• One-to-One Support: Provide individual engagement activities for residents who prefer not to participate in group settings.
• Positive Communication & Engagement: Collaborate effectively with a diverse and challenging resident group respectfully and positively.
• Safety & House Rules Compliance: Ensure adherence to house rules, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.
• Teamwork & Independence: Communicate effectively with colleagues, residents, and visitors, working both independently and as part of a team.
• Volunteer Recruitment & Supervision: Actively engage with the community to recruit, support, and supervise volunteers.

Why Apply?

• Opportunities for career development and internal promotion.
• A supportive and rewarding working environment.
• Access to training and professional development programmes and opportunities.

Company benefits

• Collaborating with an award-winning team with family values.
• A comprehensive paid induction programme.
• A wide variety of training is provided.
• Career development opportunities.
• Flexibility of shifts.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounted rates at Malone Hotel, Belfast.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including team-building initiatives.
• Free car parking and uniform
• Incentives for employee referrals

Notes: Sponsorship for this role is not offered. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered. Ensure your CV is up to date, as this is required for the interview process. Interviews may take place before the job advertisement closes and the role may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We reserve the right to modify the criteria at the shortlisting stage. Successful candidates must be willing to register with NISCC. An Enhanced Access NI Check will be required for this post. Copies of the Access NI Code of Practice and related disclosure information are available on request by contacting the HR Department. It is Macklin Care Homes' policy that the existence of a criminal conviction will not necessarily lead to the withdrawal of a job offer, but failure to disclose all convictions fully and accurately will lead to withdrawal of a job offer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. Macklin Care Homes is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

What you will need

Required criteria

• Must have a good command of written and spoken English.
• Must have the right to work and live in the UK.
• Ability to work set hours, flexible to meet the needs of the organisation.

Desired criteria

• An understanding of current approaches to mental health practice and an awareness of local services available.
• Experience working within a mental health environment and understanding the level of engagement required by residents to support them on their recovery journey.
• Current and/or previous experience in a Mental Health activities role within a Care Home environment.

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