Activity Co-ordinator

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Colchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust is seeking an Activity Co-ordinator for Ardleigh Ward in Colchester. You will assist in the delivery of recreational activities under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist. Responsibilities include leading activities, preparing materials, and developing rapport with patients to enhance their mental health. The ideal candidate will have relevant healthcare experience, excellent communication skills, and a passion for facilitating engaging activities. Flexible working is available, and a supportive work environment is provided.

Benefits

27 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Excellent pension up to 14.5%

Staff discounts including NHS offers

£8K relocation package

Interest-free season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Understanding of the use of activities.
• Knowledge of group planning.
• Understanding of health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning of recreational activities.
• Lead recreational activities with patients.
• Maintain stock supplies for activities.
• Develop rapport with patients and support their interests.
• Liaise with the multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience

Previous relevant healthcare experience

Experience in skills based work (cooking, craft, sports)

Experience working with people with mental health problems

Job description

Activity Co-ordinator – Ardleigh Ward

The closing date is 29 January 2026

Under the guidance of a registered Occupational Therapist (OT), you will be expected to assist in the delivery of recreational activities within the service. Activities will be delivered one to one and through group work and may include creative, social and physical activities, the majority of which will be on the ward environment. We are looking for someone who can work flexibly; as well as working week days, you may also be required to work some early evenings and weekends.

Main duties of the job

Ideally, you will have experience in mental health and have excellent problem solving, communication and organisational skills.

As part of the multi-disciplinary ward team, you will be developing intervention pathways and expanding our support for people with chronic, long-term mental health needs.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Job responsibilities

• To liaise with Occupational Therapy staff and the therapies team in the planning of recreational activities.
• To lead on recreational activities, working with groups of patients and patients on their own.
• Prepare craft and any other appropriate equipment before patients arrive.
• Maintain stocks of appropriate supplies for use in the activities provided; informing the ward manager of any shortages of stock or equipment needed.
• To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interests and skills, and actively involve them in deciding and planning their participation in activities.
• To be aware of individual patients needs through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff.
• To liaise with the wider multi-disciplinary team, including nursing, psychiatry, physiotherapy and dietetics in order to encourage collaboration with the therapeutic timetable.
• To look for opportunities to add volunteers to the group programme and provide guidance and support for volunteers to enable them to deliver activities effectively.
• To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patients to activities.
• To have an awareness of the situations that may make patients vulnerable or at risk.
• To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff.
• To respect patients choices and confidentiality at all times.
• To record interventions in an agreed format.
• Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

• Previous relevant healthcare experience
• Understanding of the use of activities
• NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience
• Previous experience of working in the NHS
• Experience in skills based work e.g. cooking, craft, sports etc
• Experience of working with people with mental health problems

Knowledge

• Knowledge of group planning
• Understanding of health and safety

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust