At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and coordinate creative activities for young people in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Greater Manchester Mental Health, a leading provider of mental health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, cycle to work scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in running group activities and engaging young people is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
This full time post (Between Monday-Sunday 8:00am-10:00pm) is primarily based within the adolescent inpatient units at Prestwich Hospital (Junction 17 and Gardener Unit) although there is an expectation the post holder will contribute directly into other services within CAMHS if required. Junction 17 is a mixed adolescent acute unit (15 beds). The Gardener Unit is a medium secure unit for adolescent males (10 beds). Both units are currently accredited with QNIC and received outstanding for caring domain from the CQC.
The post holder will join an experienced and welcoming Multi-Disciplinary Team, including Psychiatrists, Registered Mental Health Nurses, Clinical Psychologists and Social Workers and be part of a specialist Occupational Therapy service, made up of Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Activity Coordinators. The post holder will plan and coordinate and implement a range of creative individual and group activities designed to meet the needs of the services users.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be required to use their initiative when working independently on the wards and or out in the community and are expected to report any clinical progress or change to a qualified practitioner and record findings in electronic care records. The post holder will demonstrate an attitude which respects and values service users’ and their carer’s. The post holder will embrace the core values of the organisation and adopt the principles of Recovery:
- Promote safe practice;
- Value the aims of service users;
- Work in partnership and offer meaningful choice;
- Be optimistic about the possibilities of meaningful change;
- Value social inclusion.
The post holder will carry out assigned tasks involving direct/indirect service user care and support service users under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
Working for our organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations. We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond. Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options. Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity. Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification.
27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years.
Cycle to work scheme.
Salary sacrifice car scheme.
Person specification
Essential for the role:
- Experience of running group activities
- Experience of working with young people
- Experience of engaging young people with activities to aid recovery
- Qualification or relevant experience within sports/art/cooking/music etc.
The Trust mandates all post holders who require a DBS for their role to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. You will be required to enrol for this service for a fee of £16 per year and maintain registration throughout your employment with GMMH. Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts at Greater Manchester Mental Health who have direct experience of mental health, learning disability or drug and alcohol services either as a service user or a carer. The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are aspiring to ensure our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that we serve, and we are strongly committed to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups, for example BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities.
If you would like to have an informal chat about the recruitment process for this role or would value some additional support, we’d love to hear from you.
Activity Coordinator in Prestwich employer: Greater Manchester Mental Health
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where staff are encouraged to develop their skills and contribute innovative ideas to enhance patient care. With a commitment to employee well-being, GMMH provides generous benefits including 27 days of annual leave, opportunities for professional growth, and a vibrant location in Greater Manchester that boasts a rich cultural scene and welcoming community. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while enjoying a fulfilling career in mental health.
Contact Details:
Greater Manchester Mental Health Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activity Coordinator in Prestwich
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Greater Manchester Mental Health. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Greater Manchester Mental Health.
We think you need these skills to ace Activity Coordinator in Prestwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Greater Manchester Mental Health:Take some time to research Greater Manchester Mental Health and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater Manchester Mental Health
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Greater Manchester Mental Health's values and approach.
