Job summary
Activity Worker, Hospital Division
Full Time: 37.5 hours per week (Shifts and some weekend working)
We are looking for highly motivated people to be part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing positive care for our service users across Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust's Hospital Division, in the role of Band 3 Activity Worker.
Working on our psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU), at Highgate Mental Health Centre, the post-holder will be supervised by the ward OT and will work with the ward team to co-ordinate a programme of meaningful ward activities based on service user choice and interests.
Training and a robust induction will be provided to support the post holder in this sometimes challenging environment with high acuity on the ward. Post holders will be expected to participate in their own skill development and engage in supervision and reflective practice as part of the role. All ward based staff are required to undertake training in the Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA).
It is advised that any applicants make contact with either lead OT or Head OT at point of application to discuss the role.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be ward based, providing a programme of meaningful activity in order to support service user recovery. They will be expected to co-ordinate and run a variety of individual and group activities based on service user choice.
The post holder will liaise closely with nursing and OT staff to maximise opportunities for positive engagement in line with service user care plans.
The working pattern will comprise two shift patterns, including some weekend working.
The post holder will be required to maintain individual service user records and additional information to support audit.
The post holder will be responsible for carrying out all duties in a manner that will respect and maintain the dignity of the individual patient at all times.
About us
North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.Our Five-Year Strategy:
1. We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.
2. With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all
3. We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.
4. We will be more effective as an organisation by pioneering research, quality improvement and technology.
In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To coordinate a programme of ward activity and support service users to engage in a range of activity opportunities.
- To undertake supervision of patients as delegated and within sphere of own competence.
- To accompany patients to different on and off site venues appropriate to the activities in their care plan.
- To recognize and report a change in the patients behavior in relation to their mental state. To observe and report on patients abilities and progress with activities.
- Under supervision, to record interventions with patients in the multi-disciplinary notes. To participate in the maintenance of a safe environment by being aware of ones own safety and always negotiating plans with the shift co-coordinator.
- To act as a resource for patients to assist them in continuing their interests and skills when discharged from the ward(s).
- Obtain patient and/or carers views about services provided and involve them in decision making in relation to activity planning.
- Accept regular training in the prevention and management of violence as required within their sphere of practice.
- Undertakes other tasks in consultation with the ward O
This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To coordinate a programme of ward activity and support service users to engage in a range of activity opportunities.
- To undertake supervision of patients as delegated and within sphere of own competence.
- To accompany patients to different on and off site venues appropriate to the activities in their care plan.
- To recognize and report a change in the patients behavior in relation to their mental state. To observe and report on patients abilities and progress with activities.
- Under supervision, to record interventions with patients in the multi-disciplinary notes. To participate in the maintenance of a safe environment by being aware of ones own safety and always negotiating plans with the shift co-coordinator.
- To act as a resource for patients to assist them in continuing their interests and skills when discharged from the ward(s).
- Obtain patient and/or carers views about services provided and involve them in decision making in relation to activity planning.
- Accept regular training in the prevention and management of violence as required within their sphere of practice.
- Undertakes other tasks in consultation with the ward O
This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.
Person Specification
Experience or qualification
Essential
- Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties or associated training
Desirable
Communication skills
Essential
- Excellent written communication skills
Meaningful activity & recovery
Essential
- Understanding the value of meaningful activity and recovery principles
Desirable
- Experience of using meaningful activity to support recovery
Practical skill sharing
Essential
- Experience or understanding of teaching a practical skill
Team work
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Ability to manage own work load
Desirable
- ability to recognise own stressors and ask for support as needed
Person Specification
Experience or qualification
Essential
- Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties or associated training
Desirable
Communication skills
Essential
- Excellent written communication skills
Meaningful activity & recovery
Essential
- Understanding the value of meaningful activity and recovery principles
Desirable
- Experience of using meaningful activity to support recovery
Practical skill sharing
Essential
- Experience or understanding of teaching a practical skill
Team work
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Ability to manage own work load
Desirable
- ability to recognise own stressors and ask for support as needed
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.
