Job Description

The closing date is 23rd Oct 2025

Job summary

---------------


We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Health Care Assistant / Activities Co-ordinator (Band 3) to join our team on Holford Ward, a specialist Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Wellsprings Hospital Site. This rewarding role sits within the Adult Mental Health and Learning Difficulties Directorate, supporting adults experiencing acute mental health challenges.


You will work closely with qualified nurses, Occupational Therapists, and other professionals to deliver high-quality care and therapeutic engagement. Your focus will be on developing and facilitating structured activities - both group-based and individual - that promote recovery, build skills, and enhance quality of life.


This is a hands-on role where creativity, empathy, and interpersonal skills are key. You'll contribute to care planning, observe and report patient progress, and help shape a therapeutic environment that supports recovery. Flexibility is essential, as the role may involve working evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and lone working during activities.


If you are passionate about mental health care and motivated to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------

Support qualified nurses and professionals in the assessment and treatment of patients. Plan, deliver and evaluate activity-based group sessions and individual 1:1 therapeutic work. Collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team to develop a comprehensive programme of activities tailored to patient needs. Observe and report patient behaviour and progress to the clinical team. Assist with risk assessments for therapeutic leave and activity suitability. Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to team handovers and meetings. Promote therapeutic meal times and support patients with personal care and hygiene. May be required to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and undertake lone working during activities.

Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.

About us

------------


At

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options

to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme

for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance

to recharge and relax A strong focus on

career development

to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our

Blue Light Card

, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.


We are proud to foster a

diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce

, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers the perfect blend of

idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty

, and

breathtaking coastlines

, with vibrant cities like

Bristol

,

Bath

, and

Exeter

just a short drive away - and only two hours to

London

.


The region is home to excellent

educational facilities

, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all

- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

-------------------


As a Band 3 HCA/Activities Co-ordinator, you will:

Engage Patients:

Build rapport and motivate patients to participate in meaningful activities that support their recovery and improve quality of life.

Deliver Activities:

Facilitate creative, recreational, and therapeutic sessions both on the ward and in the community, ensuring dignity and respect are upheld.

Collaborate:

Work alongside Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and nursing staff to align activities with individual rehabilitation goals.

Plan & Organise:

Manage your own time effectively, plan group sessions, and ensure resources and equipment are available and maintained.

Support Clinical Practice:

Participate in clinical discussions, contribute to care planning, and assist in therapeutic interventions.

Maintain Safety & Compliance:

Adhere to Trust policies, health and safety regulations, and safeguarding procedures. Participate in mandatory training and supervision.

Contribute to Service Development:

Engage in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and evaluations to enhance patient care.

Drive & Transport:

May be required to drive ward vehicles for off-site activities (valid driving licence and appropriate insurance required).

Person specification

------------------------

Qualifications

#

Essential

Good standard of general education


Adequate literacy skills


NVQ Level 2




#

Desirable

NVQ Level 3 Creative Activity Therapist (CAT)


Access to own private transport

Experience

#

Essential

Experience of working with people, for example, in a health care setting as an HCA or rehabilitation assistant, particularly with mental health needs and dementia


#

Desirable

Previous experience of working in a mental health setting


Experience of facilitating groups and/or 1:1 work


Experience as an activity co-ordinator

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service

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.

For help with your application, contact:

Dana Ede


dana.ede@somersetft.nhs.uk


01823368211

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 3

Salary

24937.00 to 26598.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3082

Job locations

Wellsprings Hospital

Cheddon Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 7AU