Activity Co-ordinator - Peter Bruff Unit

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

Job summary

A healthcare service organization in Colchester seeks an individual to assist in delivering recreational activities under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist. The role requires flexible working hours, including early evenings and weekends. The ideal candidate will have previous healthcare experience and an understanding of activity-based interventions. Opportunities for flexible working are available from day one.

Qualifications

• Essential: Previous relevant healthcare experience.
• Essential: Understanding of the use of activities.
• Desirable: Previous experience of working in the NHS.
• Desirable: Experience of working with people with mental health problems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of recreational activities within the service.
• Lead recreational activities, both in groups and one-on-one.
• Prepare necessary equipment before patient arrival.
• Maintain stocks of supplies and inform staff of shortages.
• Develop rapport with patients and involve them in planning activities.

Skills

Previous relevant healthcare experience

Understanding of the use of activities

Knowledge of group planning

Understanding of health and safety

Education

NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience

Job description

Overview

Job summary

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.

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.

Qualifications and Experience

Education/Qualifications

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

Knowledge

• Knowledge of group planning
• Understanding of health and safety

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment.

Employer: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Peter Bruff Ward, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL