Job Description

If you are looking to start your mental health career pathway, our Acute Wards can offer you a great environment that will enable you to develop your skills & confidence as an Activity Co-Ordinator.



We are currently recruiting across several of our inpatient mental health wards in Reading, each offering a unique opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.



Our acute wards Daisy Ward, Rose Ward, Bluebell Ward and Snowdrop Ward provide care and support for adults experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including bipolar affective disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.



In addition, Rowan Ward offers tailored care for older adults living with dementia and other age-related mental and physical health conditions, and we are looking for compassionate professionals to join this dedicated team.



All wards are located in Reading, within easy reach of the town centre and surrounded by green spaces. Our teams work in close partnership with patients and their families to ensure care is personalised, collaborative, and empowering.



We are proud to foster a culture of compassion, empathy, and inclusion, where every voice is valued.



The Activity Co-ordinator service operates seven days a week, where your working days will rotate (including weekends) with a second Activity Co-ordinator. Working hours that suit the needs of the ward can be discussed with the hiring Manager.



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To demonstrate a knowledge and awareness of current clinical issues in relation to people currently experiencing mental health problems.



To take the lead in planning a range of therapeutic activities that are appropriate for the needs of patients in agreement with the multi-disciplinary team.



To be able to establish effective therapeutic engagement and relationships with inpatients and carers.



To be able to assess patient's well-being during activities and social interactions and monitor progress.



To adapt activities to meet the needs of people and provide a calming, de-escalating manner at all times .



To provide verbal and written feedback to relevant multidisciplinary team members following activities as required .



To complete robust documentation of each session within the patients' care record following an activity.



To risk assess all activities provided and ensure individual risk assessments for patients participating in these activities on or off the ward is read and understood.



To agree with the Ward Manager appropriate equipment needed, oversee the maintenance of activities equipment used on the ward and prepare craft and any other appropriate equipment before patients arrive.



To engage in the Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression training which will include physical intervention therefore the post hold will need to be physically fit.



Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

Caring for and about you is our top priority



Committed to providing good quality, safe services



Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions



Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:



Flexible working options to support work-life balance



27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell



Generous NHS pension scheme



Excellent learning and career development opportunities



'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles



Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services



Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants



Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality



Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave



Free parking across Trust sites



FOR SECONDMENT ROLES ONLY - If the secondment role becomes permanent, the successful candidate may be offered the permanent position.

The "must haves" for you to be considered for this role:

GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English



Good knowledge of craft and social activities and how they can be used within a group



Basic knowledge of health and safety



For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.



We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.



We're committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.



We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Lincoln Cordner on 07825960457 or email lincoln.cordner@berkshire.nhs.uk, who'll be delighted to help.



Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.