Carers Champion And Activities Link Hca

Devon Partnership Nhs Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon Partnership NHS Trust seeks a Carers Champion and Activities Link Worker for Belvedere Ward in Exeter. The role promotes carer involvement, supports the Triangle of Care, and coordinates meaningful therapeutic activities in collaboration with the MDT.

The post also covers Band 3 Healthcare Assistant duties, providing person-centred care, and contributing to safe ward operation, under supervision of registered staff.

Qualifications

• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within probationary period.
• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience.
• Literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the role.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Act as Carers Champion and promote carer involvement in care planning.
• Provide information and signposting to carers and families.
• Support Triangle of Care standards within MDT working.
• Organise carers' groups and feedback opportunities.
• Deliver a varied programme of therapeutic activities with MDT.
• Assist with activities of daily living and maintain patient dignity.
• Maintain accurate electronic patient records and attend meetings.
• Support supervision, training and service improvement initiatives.

Skills

Person-centred care understanding

Dementia and older adults knowledge

Carer involvement importance

Independent work ability

Facilitating activities for patients

Resilience and emotional awareness

Education

Care Certificate or probation period completion

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent

Literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the role

Evidence of ongoing professional development

Job description

Job summary

Belvedere Ward is a 14-bed Older Persons Mental Health Assessment Unit specialising in the assessment, treatment and care of people living with dementia and other organic mental health conditions. Carers play a vital role in supporting our patients and are key partners in assessment, care planning, decision-making and discharge planning.

To strengthen carer involvement and enhance the therapeutic environment on the ward, we are seeking a Carers Champion and Activities Link Worker. This dedicated role will work alongside the ward's existing Carer Link Champions to promote meaningful engagement with carers and ensure their voices are heard and valued throughout a patient's admission.

The post holder will act as a key point of contact for carers and families, providing information, support and signposting, and supporting the implementation of the Triangle of Care principles. They will also work closely with the Activities Coordinator and multidisciplinary team to support the planning and delivery of meaningful therapeutic activities that promote wellbeing, social inclusion, cognitive stimulation and quality of life for patients.

In addition, the post holder will fulfil the responsibilities of a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant, providing high-quality, person-centred care and contributing to the safe and effective running of the ward. The role will also support safer staffing arrangements by providing clinical support during periods of short-term staffing need.

Main duties of the job

Act as the ward Carers Champion, promoting carer involvement in assessment, care planning, reviews and discharge planning. Provide information, advice and signposting to carers, support implementation of the Triangle of Care, maintain links with local support services and assist with carers' meetings and feedback opportunities.

Support the planning and delivery of therapeutic, recreational and social activities in partnership with the Activities Coordinator and wider multidisciplinary team. Facilitate individual and group activities that promote recovery, independence, wellbeing and meaningful occupation. Adapt activities to meet individual patient needs and encourage engagement and participation.

Provide high-quality, person-centred care under the supervision of registered staff. Support patients with personal care, nutrition, hydration, mobility and activities of daily living, maintaining dignity, choice and independence at all times.

Observe and report changes in patients' physical health, mental state or behaviour and contribute to risk assessment, care planning and therapeutic interventions. Undertake delegated physical healthcare tasks in line with training and competence.

Maintain accurate electronic patient records and communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues. Attend handovers, ward meetings.

Work in accordance with Trust policies, confidentiality requirements and professional standards. Participate in supervision, training, audit, service improvement.

Job Details

• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 3
• Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: C9369-26-0741
• Closing date: 04 November 2026

Job responsibilities

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

• 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.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within probationary period.
• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience.
• Literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the role.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of person-centred care.
• Understanding of dementia and older people's mental health needs.
• Understanding of the role and importance of carers within mental health services.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.
• Ability to facilitate meaningful activities for individuals and groups.

Personal Qualities and Other Requirements

• Commitment to supporting carers as partners in care.
• Resilient and emotionally aware.
• Enthusiastic and motivated.
• Ability to undertake the physical demands of the role.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.

Experience

• Experience working in a health, social care or mental health setting.
• Experience supporting vulnerable adults.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and documentation.

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 details

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Belvedere Ward, Franklyn Hospital, Franklyn Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX2 9HS, United Kingdom

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact:
Ward Manager: Louise Stewart
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]