Activity Co-ordinator | Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

Main Contacts: Internal or external contacts

Job Summary: To provide occupational activity to patients with acute and complex mental illness currently receiving services on the Hope and Horizon inpatient units. The activity coordinator will work under the supervision of a qualified OT to provide a range of therapeutic activities that promote health, well-being and recovery.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Main Purpose of Job: To contribute to the delivery of Occupational Therapy within the CAMHS inpatient service.
• Position on Organisation: Responsible managerially and professionally to the Occupational Therapist.
• Scope and Authority: Under the guidance of Occupational Therapist, to be autonomous in the planning and carrying out of specified group activities.
• Clinical:
• To assist the qualified Occupational Therapist, as required, in the delivery of occupational therapy programmes on an individual and group basis.
• To plan and deliver an activity program for the young people on the in-patient wards.
• To coordinate the delivery of activities to support the nursing and MDT teams.
• To lead on activities that promote physical health and well being and make links with relevant local organisations and resources.
• To adopt a non-judgmental approach with the young people, which is based upon respect and dignity.
• To participate in the assessment of the young people under the supervision of the Occupational therapist.
• To undertake occupational activity that is age appropriate, promotes recovery, is valued and focuses on meaningful activity.
• Contribute to the development of an overall occupational therapy programme for the service that provides a range of rehabilitative activities on and off the unit.
• To contribute to the multi-disciplinary care planning process by attending clinical reviews etc.
• To be able to work autonomously to undertake specific individual and group OT sessions as agreed with the qualified OT.
• To assist young people to develop and gain skills for everyday living, i.e. budgeting money, shopping, cooking, developing social networks, accessing local services etc.

We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop. Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services.

All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.

If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
• Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance.
• Access to Continued Professional Development.
• Involvement in improvement and research activities.
• Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service.
• Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel.

Attribute: The qualities without which a post holder could not be appointed.

Extra qualities which can be used to choose between candidates who meet all the essential criteria.

Education / Qualifications:

• GCSE Maths and English C grade.
• NVQ Level 3 Health and Social care.
• Evidence of further education.

Experience:

• Recent experience of working in health care or related area.
• Experience of coordinating and running group activities.
• Experience of working in mental health and preferably CAMHS.
• Experience of working on a mental health in-patient unit – either CAMHS or adult.

Knowledge:

• To have an understanding of mental health difficulties.
• To understand the importance of meaningful activity to promote recovery for young people with mental health difficulties.

Skills and Abilities:

• Able to act independently and responsibly with young people.
• Able to provide clear verbal instructions and present written information clearly.
• Able to conduct risk assessments for groups and activities.
• Able to complete a task and manage time.
• Flexible to suit the needs of the service.
• Confidence to facilitate group activities independently.
• Ability to motivate young people.
• Additional skills in a certain area of interest e.g. sports, music, cooking etc.

Work Related Circumstances:

• Able to travel, work weekends and unsocial hours, and work within a busy inpatient unit.
• Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies.
• Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced CRB disclosure and registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), Vetting and Barring Scheme.
• Hold a valid UK driving license.