Recreational Worker

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Radlett; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust in Radlett seeks a passionate Recreational Worker to deliver ward-based recreational services for adult acute mental health patients. You will engage service users in meaningful activities, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and support their recovery and independence. Required qualifications include Maths and English GCSE and a willingness to learn. Benefits include a generous holiday allowance and health services.

Benefits

5% high-cost allowance supplement

27 days holiday rising to 33 days

Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications

• Willingness to undertake relevant training to the post.
• Experience of working with individuals and groups.
• Experience of caring for people with mental health problems.

Responsibilities

• Organise and provide a ward-based recreational/leisure service.
• Provide feedback to the MDT regarding service users' wellbeing.
• Use technical skills to engage service users in activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Observational skills

Teamwork

Education

Maths and English GCSE grade C or above or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are looking for a person who is passionate about providing excellent care to the adult acute mental health population, and who want to contribute to the therapeutic input provided for people using our services at our site in Radlett. The Recreational Worker organises and provides a predominantly ward-based recreational/leisure service, based on the adult acute mental health wards. The activities they facilitate occur alongside therapeutic interventions from the Occupational Therapy service, Psychology, Arts therapies and the ward Nursing Team to enhance a service user's stay in hospital. The recreational service is provided during afternoons, evenings, weekends and bank holidays,

Responsibilities

• You will organise and provide a predominantly ward-based recreational/leisure service such as gardening groups, craft sessions, music activities, sports/active sessions, facilitating gym sessions, games, etc.
• You will be based on the adult acute mental health wards where service users require support for a range of diagnoses such as psychosis, depression, or anxiety.
• The recreational service is provided during afternoons, evenings and weekends and so the role requires working in the early evenings until 8 pm and on the weekends 9 – 5.
• The team consists of a Lead and Head Occupational Therapist, Band 6 and 5 Occupational Therapists, Assistant Therapy Practitioners, and a Horticultural Therapist. We work closely with Art and Drama Therapists, and Psychologists.
• The Recreational Worker role offers the opportunity to provide the main link between the wards and the therapy team.
• You will work effectively as a member of a team in providing social, recreational and leisure activities using a person‑centred approach.
• You will provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users’ wellbeing and motivation to engage in recreational sessions.
• You will use technical/creative skills to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities to promote independence, recovery and well‑being.
• Under supervision of an Occupational Therapist, facilitate and participate in planned group‑work and individual activities.
• Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, contribute to the ongoing assessment and adjustment of clinical interventions based on the fluctuating needs of the service users.
• Facilitate and use activity in group settings.

Benefits

• 5 % on top of basic salary high‑cost allowance supplement (subject to a minimum and a maximum payment pro‑rata)
• 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service) plus bank holidays (pro‑rata where applicable)
• One of the UK’s best pension schemes
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing services
• Special leave for family and personal reasons
• NHS Car Lease Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE grade C or above or equivalent
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated packages
• Willingness to undertake relevant training to the post

Desirable Criteria

• Qualification relevant to the post; some experience working in paid or voluntary employment or community work relevant to post.
• Experience of working with individuals and groups.
• Experience of working with people/caring for people with mental health problems, learning disabilities or special needs; ability to provide and receive sensitive information regarding services users care and social situation.
• Good communication skills written and verbal.
• Ability to use a range of communication skills to overcome barriers to engagement.
• Ability to work effectively in a team; basic problem solving and clinical judgement skills.
• Ability to respond appropriately to the changing needs of service users.
• Good observational skills.

Candidates who require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the United Kingdom can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position by assessing their circumstances against the criteria specified on the Check if you need a UK visa – GOV.UK website. We would encourage all applicants to review the criteria carefully to understand their eligibility for sponsorship.