Carers Champion and activities link HCA

NHS Jobs; Exeter; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs is seeking a Carers Champion and Activities Link Worker to promote carer involvement and deliver meaningful therapeutic activities within a ward setting. You will act as a dedicated point of contact for carers and families, ensuring they are welcomed, informed, involved and supported during a patient's admission.

The role also covers planning and delivering individual and group activities to promote wellbeing, recovery and meaningful occupation, while carrying out Band 3 Healthcare

Job description

Job Purpose

The Carers Champion and Activities Link Worker will play a key role in promoting carer involvement and delivering meaningful therapeutic activity within the ward environment. The post holder will act as a dedicated point of contact for carers and families, helping to ensure that carers are welcomed, informed, involved, and supported throughout a patient's admission in line with the Triangle of Care principles. The post holder will also support the planning and delivery of individual and group therapeutic activities that promote wellbeing, recovery, social inclusion, cognitive stimulation, and meaningful occupation for patients. Alongside these specialist responsibilities, the post holder will undertake the duties of a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant and will contribute to the overall safe and effective running of the ward. The post holder will work under the supervision of registered staff and as an active member of the multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

Carer Engagement and Support

• Act as the ward's designated Carers Champion.
• Promote the involvement of carers and families in care planning and decision‑making where appropriate.
• Provide carers with information regarding ward processes, available support services, benefits, advocacy and community resources.
• Ensure the views and needs of carers are represented within care planning and review processes.
• Support implementation of the Triangle of Care standards.
• Establish positive working relationships with carers and family members whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
• Organise and facilitate regular carers' groups and feedback opportunities.
• Maintain links with local carers' organisations and support agencies.
• Ensure carers' information resources remain up to date and accessible.

Therapeutic Activities

• Support the planning, organisation and delivery of a varied programme of therapeutic and social activities.
• Work collaboratively with the Activities Coordinator, Occupational Therapy team and wider MDT.
• Facilitate individual and group‑based activities appropriate to patients with dementia, cognitive impairment and mental health needs.
• Encourage participation and engagement in therapeutic activity.
• Adapt activities to meet the differing abilities and needs of patients.
• Promote recovery, independence, wellbeing and social inclusion through meaningful occupation.
• Assist with community‑based activities and outings where appropriate.

Clinical and Patient Care Responsibilities

• Deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care under the supervision of registered practitioners.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living.
• Support patients with maintaining dignity, independence and wellbeing.
• Observe and report changes in physical or mental health presentation.
• Contribute to risk assessment and risk management processes.
• Participate in the delivery of therapeutic interventions.
• Assist with physical healthcare monitoring and interventions as delegated.
• Support nutritional monitoring and hydration needs.
• Participate in observation levels and engagement plans as directed.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic patient records.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues.
• Provide and receive routine information in a professional and compassionate manner.
• Attend MDT meetings, handovers and ward meetings.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records.
• Escalate concerns appropriately to registered staff.

Professional Responsibilities

• Work within Trust policies, procedures and professional boundaries.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and personal development reviews.
• Complete all mandatory and role‑specific training.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns.
• Contribute to audits, quality improvement initiatives and service development projects.
• Support the promotion of a positive ward culture that values recovery, dignity and carer involvement.