Activity Coordinator

Barnsley Hospital Nhs Foundation Trust; Hanley; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Activity Co-ordinator to join the Acorn Intermediate Care Unit. You will organise, initiate and supervise social interaction with patients, delivering individual and group activities to support rehabilitation and discharge planning.

Based in Barnsley, this role focuses on creating a positive social environment, engaging with patients, visitors and staff, and working with external agencies to support activities and well-being on the unit.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths & English at minimum required.
• NVQ in Health and Social Care is required/essential.
• Experience in care settings is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Organise, initiate and supervise social interaction with patients on Acorn Intermediate Care Unit.
• Arrange individual activities for patients and provide 1:1 social contact.
• Promote a range of activities and integrate with patients and staff.
• Liaise with external agencies to support post-hospital social activities.
• Assist with fundraising and contribute to unit improvements.

Skills

Patient interaction

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

GCSE Maths & English

NVQ Health & Social Care

Job description

Job summary

Interview date is 10th November 2026

The Acorn Intermediate Care unit focuses short term specialist care for people who need extra support, care and rehabilitation to support them returning home or appropriate place on discharge.

The activity coordinator position is an exciting role on the unit and we desire an individual with knowledge and experience of patient social interaction who will actively engage with patients, staff and visitors to create a positive social environment.

The activity co-ordinator is a fully integrated member of the team.

The activity co-ordinator will organise, initiate and supervise social interaction with patients on Acorn Intermediate Care Unit.

Main duties of the job

The activity co-ordinator will organise, initiate and supervise social interaction with patients on Acorn Intermediate Care Unit.

To include the below:

• Arrange individual activities for patients, as appropriate, in-addition to group activities
• Provide 1:1 social contact with patients according to the individual patient ability
• Ensure there is an available range of activities and promote use with patient interaction on the unit. E.g. jigsaws, books, crafts, bingo, quizzes etc.
• Utilise electronic resources available with individuals and groups
• Organise social events on the unit to include patients, relatives, staff and visiting professionals
• Liaise with other external agencies and voluntary groups to provide support and advice for social activities for post hospital admission
• Assist with fund raising
• Complete procedures (SOPs) that do not require a registered practitioner to undertake
• Take a lead role with the unit leaders to improve patient experience
• Work on own initiative and manage workload

About us

Barnsley is a place of real warmth and community spirit. With a proud industrial past, the town offers affordable living, great transport links, rich culture and many green spaces. Barnsley punches above its weight and has recently seen economic growth, substantial regeneration and digital ambition, whilst leading the way in healthcare innovation and employability.

At Barnsley Hospital, we are a close-knit, ambitious team delivering outstanding care in the heart of South Yorkshire. Our aim is to be the best place to work and we have been consistently rated by our people as being amongst the very best Trusts in the country in areas such as compassionate leadership, teamwork and supporting colleague wellbeing.

We offer a friendly working environment where you will be recognised and valued for what you do, led with compassion and integrity and have your career and wellbeing supported.

Barnsley Hospital NHS FT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment to all applicants.

For individuals who require sponsorship under the skilled worker or health & care visa route please use the link on the right hand side of the advert to check your eligibility.

The cost of the DBS (criminal records check) for Band 6 and above roles will only be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction.

Please note

we reserve the right to close positions early

Job responsibilities

Job Description

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and responsibilities.

Supporting Documents

Please refer to the values-based recruitment guidance and associated documentation.

Person Specification

Value-based questions

Essential

• In around 100 words please describe what Equality & Diversity means to you and why they are important.
• In around 100 words describe what compassion mean to you.
• In around 100 words describe a situation when you have shown care and compassion at work.

Knowledge and Awareness

Essential

• An understanding and ability to apply patient interactions/coordinated activities.

Desirable

• Knowledge of current healthcare issues.

Experience

Desirable

• Experience of working in a care setting.

Qualifications

Essential

• Maths & English at GCSE level or equivalent.
• NVQ in Health and Social Care.

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.

Barnsley Hospital NHS FT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment to all applicants.