At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun and engaging activities for elderly residents to enhance their well-being.
- Company: Join Macklin Care Homes, a compassionate team making a real difference in lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make meaningful connections while improving the quality of life for our residents.
- Qualifications: Experience with elderly care and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team with opportunities for growth and training.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 30 £ per hour.
Location: Ratheane, Ratheane Private Nursing Home, 58 Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1JF
Date Posted: 2nd October 2025
Closing Date: 28th February 2026
Industry: Healthcare
Job Type: Full time
Salary: £12.42 Hourly
Can you make a real difference in the lives of others? At Macklin Care Homes, you will work as part of an award-winning team valued for your contribution, with opportunities for career development, and a friendly and rewarding working environment. If you are a compassionate person who cares with heart, we would love to hear from you.
Our residents are the heart of our homes; we are inspired not only by their stories and experiences of years past but also by the knowledge that we are making a real difference in their lives. Ratheane Care Home (Coleraine) is currently recruiting an Activities Therapist to join their friendly, caring, and progressive Care Home. This is a vital role within the Home, where you will work as part of a team to deliver excellent care to our much-loved residents. The successful candidate will be required to work 30 hours per week and must be fully flexible to work weekdays and weekends.
About the role
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement a schedule of in-house entertainment, outings, and group activities that are mentally and physically stimulating for residents.
- Work closely with the Nurse Managers, staff, and residents to ensure activities align with their needs and interests.
- Obtain approval from the Nurse Managers before engaging external entertainers or service providers.
- Regularly gather feedback from residents and incorporate their hobbies and interests into the activity programme.
- Maintain accurate records (both manually and electronically) of all activities and events.
- Provide individual engagement activities for residents who prefer not to participate in group settings.
- Collaborate effectively with a diverse and challenging resident group respectfully and positively.
- Ensure adherence to house rules, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, residents, and visitors, working both independently and as part of a team.
- Hold a full UK Driving Licence to assist with resident transportation if required, using a people carrier provided by Macklin Care Homes.
Essential Criteria:
- Relevant vocational qualifications (achieved or working towards).
- Experience working with elderly residents suffering from dementia.
- Knowledge of the care of the elderly patients' Charter of Rights.
- Must have a good command of written and spoken English.
Company benefits:
- Collaborating with an award-winning team with family values.
- A comprehensive paid induction programme.
- A wide variety of training is provided.
- Career development opportunities.
- Flexibility of shifts.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounted rates at Malone Hotel, Belfast.
- Health and well-being initiatives, including team-building initiatives.
- Free car parking and uniform*
- Incentives for employee referrals*
*T&Cs will apply. Please note we will only accept up-to-date CVs - without this, an interview cannot be given. We do not offer sponsorship for this role - if you require sponsorship, your application will be automatically declined. Please consider this carefully before applying. Interviews may take place before the job advertisement closes, as and when suitable applications are received. If a suitable candidate is appointed, the role may close early; therefore, please submit your application promptly. Additionally, we reserve the right to modify the criteria at the shortlisting stage. Successful candidates must be willing to register with NISCC. An Enhanced Access NI Check will be required for this post. If successful, please be aware that we do have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. As per the Access NI Code of Practice, Macklin Care Homes also has a policy on the secure handling, use, storage, and retention of disclosure information. Copies of these documents, along with the Access NI Code of Practice, are available upon request by contacting the HR Department. It is Macklin Care Homes' Policy that any existence of a criminal conviction will not necessarily lead to the withdrawal of a job offer, but the failure to disclose all criminal convictions fully and accurately will lead to the withdrawal of a job offer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. Macklin Care Homes is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Ability to work set hours, flexible to meet the needs of the organisation.
- Excellent communication skills, specifically with the elderly.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desired criteria
- Relevant Vocational Qualification (achieved / working towards).
- Experience of working with elderly residents suffering from dementia.
- Knowledge of Care of the Elderly Patients Charter of Rights.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Activities Therapist in Coleraine employer: Macklin Care Homes Limited
Contact Detail:
Macklin Care Homes Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Therapist in Coleraine
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Macklin Care Homes' website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to activities therapy and elderly care. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to feel confident when discussing your skills and passion for helping others.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your compassion and enthusiasm shine through. Share stories that highlight your experience with elderly residents, especially those with dementia. This will help the interviewers see how you can make a real impact at Ratheane.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Activities Therapist in Coleraine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Activities Therapist role. Highlight any relevant experience you have working with elderly residents, especially those with dementia. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Your Passion: In your cover letter, let us know why you're passionate about working in healthcare and making a difference in residents' lives. Share any personal stories or experiences that showcase your compassion and dedication.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the closing date to apply! We might start interviewing before then, so get your application in early through our website. This way, you won’t miss out on the chance to join our amazing team at Ratheane.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macklin Care Homes Limited
✨Know Your Residents
Before the interview, take some time to understand the needs and interests of elderly residents, especially those with dementia. Familiarise yourself with common activities that engage them and think about how you can incorporate their stories into your approach.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, be sure to express your passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your compassion and ability to connect with elderly individuals, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Activity Ideas
Come prepared with a few creative activity ideas that could be implemented at Ratheane. Think about both group and individual activities that cater to different interests and abilities, and be ready to discuss how you would gather feedback from residents.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with Nurse Managers and other staff, emphasise your teamwork skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated in previous roles and how you plan to work effectively within a team to enhance the residents' experience.