Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for skilled, motivated, and passionate Activity Co-ordinator to join the Therapies team at the Elgar Unit, Newtown Hospital
The role is rewarding and challenging, with a focus on working within our adult mental health in-patient pathway.Hadley Unit is a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit.We care for working age adults with mental illnesses who may be detained under the Mental Health Act.
The Activity Co-ordinator works as part of a dedicated in-patient multi-disciplinary team, under the supervision of the Occupational Therapists to provide a range of therapeutic and ward-based leisure activities for working age adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis and have been admitted to our unit.
This is a full time role that requires evening, weekend and bank holiday working.
Please note the Trust will not routinely provide sponsorship to work for this role. In addition to meet Home Office salary threshold you must have the significant experience to be offered top of the pay band AND work a minimum of 35.5 hours per week.
There will be the opportunity to work closely with the multi-disciplinary team to provide a range of activities, with an expectation for the post holder to work autonomously during the evenings and at weekends.
Regular supervision, reflective practice and training opportunities will be actively encouraged.
Main duties of the job
Develop and facilitate an activity programme, working closely with the multi-disciplinary team to provide meaningful engagement on either an individual or groupwork basis.
Ensure activities are risk assessed, safe and effective.
Build a therapeutic relationship with patients, relatives, and carers to encourage their interest and participation in activities suited to their particular needs and interests, promoting independence and well-being.
Manage the timetabling and delivery of group and individual activities working flexibly including evening and weekends where required in line with the therapeutic timetables.
To observe, monitor and record patient activity and health status as appropriate, communicating appropriately any change in condition to multi-disciplinary team members.
To develop an understanding of clinical conditions that affect cognition and function and how therapeutic activities can be used appropriately.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with people with mental health conditions, have excellent communication skills and an ability to build rapport with vulnerable patients.
You will have a can-do attitude, energy and enthusiasm and will have an understanding of how to work alongside an individual to engage them with activities which will promote recovery, health and wellbeing.
About Us
At Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, we are working together to deliver outstanding care. We run community hospitals and community health services across Worcestershire and provide mental health and learning disability services across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Our people (all 4500+ of them) provide services for people of all ages, experiencing both physical and/or mental health conditions from over 100 sites.
We will support you to thrive; offer flexible working options for a great work-life balance, help you fulfil your ambitions, and empower you to make positive changes within your team or service. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities.
What we offer;
- 27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service
- Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when you work unsocial hours
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- Great maternity, paternity, and adoption support
- Wide range of supportive staff networks
- Health and wellbeing opportunities
If you would like to know more, please visit our website.
We encourage you to read the attached applicant guidance notes.
Sharing your data - As a data controller we may sometimes need to process your data to pursue our legitimate business interests, for example to request a survey from you (optional), to support the Trusts understanding of where you gained interest in working for the Trust.
Details
Date posted
05 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£24,937 to £26,598 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
C9798-1874
Job locations
Hadley Ward, Elgar Unit
Newtown Hospital, Newtown Road
Worcester
WR5 1JG
Job Description
Job responsibilities
For full details of the duties and criteria for the role please refer to the job description and person specification attached.
Job Description
Job responsibilities
For full details of the duties and criteria for the role please refer to the job description and person specification attached.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience in a related subject i.e. Health & Social Care
- Willingness to undertake training as required
- I understand that I will be asked to provide original certificates to verify my qualifications at point of offer.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with different professionals
- Experience in practical and organisational skills, such as cooking, crafts, exercise etc.
- Experience in using activity as a form of engagement
Desirable
- Experience in supporting people suffering with mental health illness
- Experience of working in a care setting
- Experience of facilitating group work
Essential
Skills & Abilities
- Ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy
- Ability to work both autonomously and within a team, with guidance and support as required.
- To demonstrate a flexible approach to work
- Able to manage time effectively
- Self-awareness and self-management in the context of being in a complex environment
- Ability to undertake all statutory and mandatory training (Safety Intervention/Breakaway) (subject to Occupational Health clearance)
- Good observational skills
- Ability to demonstrate interpersonal skills, which include both verbal and written communication.
- Shares the Trust Values and models this in their attitude and behaviour
- Literate in IT skills
- Ability to challenge poor behaviour
- Role modelling good behaviour
- A positive attitude and able to act on feedback
- Ability to praise and be supportive to others
Desirable
- Supporting relatives and carers of people with mental illness
- Able to demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning about caring for people with mental health illness
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to work flexibly hours to suit client group
- Able to attend and participate in all mandatory and statutory training events
- You understand that we will not routinely provide sponsorship to work for this role.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge of person-centred practice.
- Knowledge of therapeutic activities using technical creative skills
- Understanding the therapeutic use and value of activity.
- Understanding of the impact that mental health issues can have on individuals
Person Specification
Essential
- Understanding of Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge of person-centred practice.
- Knowledge of therapeutic activities using technical creative skills
- Understanding the therapeutic use and value of activity.
- Understanding of the impact that mental health issues can have on individuals
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
Employer name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Address
Hadley Ward, Elgar Unit
Newtown Hospital, Newtown Road
Worcester
WR5 1JG
Employer's website
https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Address
Hadley Ward, Elgar Unit
Newtown Hospital, Newtown Road
Worcester
WR5 1JG
Employer's website
https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)
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