Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Activity Coordinator who currently holds a Relevant level 3 or above qualification e.g. in health and/or social care, communication, teaching and Numeracy, Literacy Level2 (or equivalent).

The post holder is responsible for planning and providing appropriate activities to meet the general therapeutic, social and recreational needs of clients at Foss Park Hospital, Adult Mental Health Acute wards.

To work with delegated service users who remain the responsibility of the lead nurse/responsible clinician, often working without direct supervision.

To engage service users and their carer's in activities and encourage them in a compassionate manner, to support them in engaging in meaningful activity, promote independence and well-being through a client-centred approach.

The postholder will liaise with clients, the relevant disciplines, departments and families involved in the care of the client to ensure that planned activities reflect the needs of the person and are reflected in the client's plan of care.

The postholder will promote the value of engagement in social interaction and recreational activity with clients, their carer's, the multi-disciplinary team and others involved in each person's care.

To provide the best possible experience for service users and carers and to show commitment to and participate in quality improvement activities.

Main duties of the job
Plans and facilitates a range of activities for clients with a variety of needs, some of which may be complex in nature under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

Takes the lead in developing and formulating diversional/recreational activity programmes, for both individuals and groups of clients as appropriate and in collaboration with occupational therapy and nursing staff.

Co-facilitates groups with e.g. HCA`s and nurses, occupational therapy staff, fitness instructors and third sector agencies as appropriate, checking that all relevance governance is in place where necessary.

Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of current clinical issues affecting clients working under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Service users may demonstrate behaviours that challenge or have difficult family situations of relevance

To liaise with relevant services, to provide an activity programme that will meet the needs of clients and promote heir best possible engagement.

To be able to establish effective therapeutic engagement and relationships with service users and carers.

Demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a multi-professional team, communicating effectively with all team members for the benefit of service users. Provides information and practical advice, within scope of own competency to clients and carers, as well as the wider multi-disciplinary team.

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.

The post holder will have access to the National Association of Activity Providers (NAPA) for support, resources and training whilst in role.

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.

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.

Qualifications
Essential

• Relevant level 3 or above qualification e.g. in health and/or social care, communication, teaching
• Numeracy, Literacy Level 2 (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

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

Knowledge
Essential

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

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).