Job summary
We are recruiting an activity co-ordinator for each of our female adult mental health ward here at Lanchester Road Hospital.

As a team we are passionate in promoting independence and working to build the confidence of our patients through activity and collaborative working.

We pride ourselves in providing a high standard of care within a multi-disciplinary approach, which is recovery focused. We believe we are progressive and forward thinking, seeking to improve our service. We offer varied training opportunities to support our team and individuals' development.

The post holder will do both ward-based activities and also help reintegrate our patient into the local community. Risk awareness is essential for this post. The post holder needs to be enthusiastic and show a good understanding of the importance of activity for good mental health.

As a team we are passionate in promoting independence and working to build the confidence of our patients through activity and collaborative working.

You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.

Main duties of the job
The successful post holder will be responsible for planning and providing appropriate activities to meet the general therapeutic, social and recreational needs of individual service users.

This includes working with others to develop and establish a timetable of activities which can be delivered across the ward both individually and within groups and also in the local community. This will need to be flexible and patient centred, changing regularly according to the needs of a patient cohort, and according to the interests of individuals at any given time.

We are looking for people who can work relatively independently, using their own skills (art and craft, cooking/baking, gardening, music and exercise, puzzles and games) to support patients in engaging with meaningful activity, and through this promote wellbeing using a client centred approach.

You will need to be able to communicate well with a wide range of individuals, adapting your communication style according to individual need in a responsive manner.

Although this role will primarily focus on the delivery and planning of activities there will be an expectation for the successful candidate to deliver direct patient care and work directly with the nursing team to ensure Patient care and safety is the main priority. This role will also work closely with out discharge facilitator to help reintegrate our patients into their local community, building support networks outside of the hospital environment.

About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.

From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.

We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.

We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.

We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.

The successful candidates who do not hold the required qualifications will be expected to enrol on the Activity Coordinator Framework which will include the acquisition of the Level 3 Certificate in Activity Provision in Social Care Distance learning, level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent and achievement of competencies. You will have a maximum of 2 years to complete this.

Due to the nature of the role it is essential that applicants are able to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

This job advert may close early if a high volume of applications have been received. If interested, please apply for this post as soon as possible.

Qualifications
Essential

• Relevant level 3 or above qualification e.g. in health and/or social care, communication, teaching
• AND Numeracy, Literacy Level2 (or equivalent)

Desirable

• Level 3 qualification in health and social care if not in place already

Experience
Essential

• Experience of paid, voluntary or personally of working with people with a learning disability or mental health issues
• Experience of supporting engagement of others in activity

Knowledge
Essential

• Awareness of needs of service users with Mental Health conditions or learning disabilities
• Awareness of the needs of inidvdiuals from diverse social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Understanding of the value and benefit of activity to mental wellbeing

Personal attributes
Essential

• Able to work in accordance with the Staff Compact and Trust Values and Behaviours
• Compassionate in meeting the needs of vulnerable people and their families and carers
• Ability to work in a calm confident manner
• Flexible and adaptable
• Committed to continual quality and service improvement
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities
• Self awareness and committed to continual personal development

Skills
Essential

• Good communication skills, written and verbal
• Good observation skills
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Ability to plan and implement activities
• Ability to manage own time
• Ability to engage and motivate others

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).