Activity Co-ordinator - Child and Adolescent Mental Health

NHS; Rochford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A national health service provider in Rochford is seeking an Activity Co-ordinator to support young people in mental health recovery. This role involves planning and delivering therapeutic activities, promoting self-care and independent living skills for patients aged 13-18. Candidates should have NVQ level 3 and preferable experience in the NHS. The position offers flexible working options and is supported by qualified Occupational Therapy staff, making it a rewarding opportunity in a dedicated team environment.

Benefits

27 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Excellent pension up to 14.5%

Staff discounts including Blue Light Card

Season ticket loans

Flexible working from day one

Qualifications

• NVQ level 3 or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Proven experience in the NHS environment is advantageous.
• Fitness training knowledge helps in planning physical activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop rapport with patients to enhance recovery and well-being.
• Complete necessary statistical information such as daily diary sheets.
• Inform qualified staff about faulty equipment.
• Ensure cleanliness in work areas.
• Attend departmental meetings as needed.
• Support OT Clinical Lead in gymnasium management.

Skills

Knowledge of group planning

Understanding of the use of activities

Self and time management skills

Experience of working with people with mental health problems

Experience in skills based activities (e.g., cooking, craft, sports)

Education

NVQ level 3

Previous experience of working in the NHS

Fitness training

Job description

Activity Co-ordinator - Child and Adolescent Mental Health

The closing date is 06 January 2026

Come and join our CAMHS Family at Rochford Hospital! We have opportunity to recruit an additional activity co-ordinator to support the young people admitted to the ward.

Poplar Adolescent Unit is a mental health inpatient hospital caring for 13-18 year olds admitted due to deterioration in their mental health. The post holder carries responsibility for planning and delivery of a range of wellbeing, social, fitness and educational activities for patients at Poplar Adolescent Unit with diverse mental health needs on both a group and individual basis.

Baseline knowledge of autism and mental health issues is beneficial, further training will be provided. You will be supported and guided by qualified Occupational Therapy staff to support young people along their recovery journey.

Main duties of the job

• Following a holistic assessment by the multi-disciplinary team, the post holder will contribute to the care plan through the provision of a range of therapeutic activities under the overall supervision of qualified Occupational Therapy staff.
• The post holder will promote and support patients in aspects of self-care (this includes physical fitness) and activities of daily living to fulfil an independent, healthy life-style within their own limitations.
• The post holder will encourage patients to maintain their sense of identity, personal relationships social contacts and physical health, whilst respecting the individuals own cultural and religious beliefs.

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.
• 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

• Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Job responsibilities

• To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interest in developing skills for recovery and well-being.
• To complete necessary statistical information, e.g. daily diary sheets.
• To note any faulty equipment and inform qualified staff.
• To ensure work areas are kept clean and tidy.
• To attend departmental meetings as required.
• To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process.
• To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing.
• To support the OT Clinical Lead in the management of the gymnasium including systems for cleaning, maintenance and health and safety policies.
• Be aware of ones own development needs and ensure that all mandatory training is up-to-date.

Person Specification

Education

• NVQ level 3
• Previous experience of working in the NHS
• Fitness training

Skills

• Knowledge of group planning
• Understanding of the use of activities
• Self and time management skills
• Experience of working with people with mental health problems
• Experience in skills based activities e.g. cooking, craft, sports etc

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