Activity Practitioner

NHS Professionals Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health service provider in London is looking for a motivated Activity Practitioner. The role involves delivering engaging therapeutic activities to aid recovery for individuals with mental health needs. Candidates should possess a relevant health and social care qualification and experience in a similar setting. The position offers career development, ongoing training, and the chance to work in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Weekly Pay

Exclusive Discounts

Flexible Working Options

Comprehensive Support

Ongoing Development

Career Variety

Community Perks

Qualifications

• Experience working in health/social care setting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience providing group and 1:1 interventions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a programme of recreational, vocational, and educational activities.
• Support the development of a therapeutic ward-based programme.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date written and electronic records.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Empathy

Adaptability

Education

Health and Social Care qualification (NVQ 3 or 4)

A-C Grade GCSEs in Maths and English

Job description

South London &Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is offering an excellent opportunity for acreative and enthusiastic Activity Practitioner to join a supportive, MDT atRiver House. In this role, you will work closely with the Occupational Therapyteam, under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist, to deliverengaging, therapeutic and recreational activities aimed at supporting therehabilitation of service users with complex mental health needs, includingthose with a history of offending. You will play a key role in implementingmeaningful, person-centred programmes that promote recovery and enhance overallquality of life.

Joining SLaM meansbecoming part of a respected, forward-thinking organisation with strong linksto Kings College London and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology andNeuroscience. Its a unique opportunity to work in a setting that blendsclinical excellence, cutting-edge research, and high-quality training. At RiverHouse, you'll join a team known for its supportive culture and commitment todevelopment offering in-house training, career progression, and broadclinical exposure. Whether you're early in your career or looking tospecialise, this role provides the ideal environment to grow personally andprofessionally, within a team that values learning, collaboration, andinnovation in mental health care.

Main duties of the job

What you can add:

• You will deliver a programme of recreational, vocational, and educational activities within the service or, where appropriate, in the community.
• You will Support the development of a balanced therapeutic ward-based programme tailored to service users at various stages of recovery, helping them progress by considering their goals and aspirations and adjusting interventions accordingly.
• You will maintain accurate and up-to-date written and electronic records in line with Trust and professional standards, adhering to forensic activity guidelines and completing incident reports when required.
• You will reflect on and review your practice and performance through regular supervision and annual appraisal in line with Trust guidelines, while actively participating in ongoing training and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
• You will support the education and training of OT students, staff, and volunteers, while helping to facilitate recovery courses at the Forensic Recovery College alongside peer trainers and team members.
• You will demonstrate your ability to safely carry out restrictive interventions following Seni Lewis Training Programme.

About us

NHS Professionals is the UKs largest flexible staff bank, owned by the Department of Health and Social Care. We give healthcare professionals the freedom to choose when, where, and how they work whether that's through flexible bank shifts or fixed-term placements. By joining NHSP, you become part of a trusted, supportive community committed to Putting People in Places to Care, working alongside a diverse team delivering high-quality care across the country.

As a valued member of our bank, youll enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• Weekly Pay Access your earnings quickly with regular weekly payments.
• Priority Shifts Get first choice of shifts and placements before they go to external agencies.
• Exclusive Discounts Receive a Blue Light Card and access to NHS discount providers.
• Flexible Working Options Choose shifts that fit your schedule or explore fixed-term placements to suit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Support Our friendly team is available whenever you need us via our dedicated support line.
• Ongoing Development Access training and learning opportunities through both the Trust and NHSPs own academy.
• Career Variety Work across different wards and specialties to gain valuable experience.
• Community Perks Enjoy being part of a vibrant NHSP community with activities like Member of the Month, Appreciation Week, giveaways, webinars, and more.

Job responsibilities

As a key member of the ward team, you will work closely with the Occupational Therapy (OT) service to deliver therapeutic and recreational activities that support the rehabilitation of individuals with mental illness and a history of offending. Under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist, you will help co-develop and implement ward-based and community-facing programmes that promote recovery, independence, and well-being. This includes supporting access to vocational and educational opportunities, including the Forensic Recovery College.

Youll engage individuals and groups in structured therapeutic activities, monitor progress, and contribute to care planning through effective communication and documentation. The role requires the ability to work independently when facilitating sessions, adapt interventions to individual goals, and maintain clear boundaries and professional conduct. You will also be expected to follow security protocols, participate in incident reporting, and safely implement restrictive interventions where necessary, following Seni Lewis training.

This position supports continuous professional development through regular supervision, in-house training, and involvement in student education, audits, and quality improvement projects. You'll help maintain safe environments, manage activity resources, and may occasionally work evenings or weekends. A commitment to trust values, health and safety, equality, and ongoing learning is essential to success in this role.

Person Specification

Experience

• What youll need:
• - A-C Grade GCSEs in Maths and English.
• - Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.
• - Experience of working in health/social care setting.
• - Experience of working both independently and in a team, demonstrating an ability to interact with staff of all disciplines and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• - Experience of providing group and 1:1 interventions.
• - An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people who experience mental health problems.
• Ability to work independently in both ward and community settings and teach practical skills to service users.
• - Health and Social Care qualification above basic level (e.g., NVQ 3 or 4, City & Guilds, Diploma, or Degree)
• - Experience in a forensic mental health setting
• Experience running therapeutic groups in health and social care settings.

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.