HealthJobsUK

Job overview

The successful post holder will be responsible for planning and providing appropriate activities to meet the general therapeutic, social and recreational needs of individual service users.

This includes working with others to develop and establish a timetable of activities which can be delivered across the Westerdale Wards individually and within groups and also in the local community. This will need to be flexible and patient centred, changing regularly according to the needs of a patient cohorts, and according to the interests of individuals at any given time.

Westerdale North and South are two wards catering for both male and female patients with both Organic and functional illnesses. As a team we are passionate in promoting independence and working to build the confidence of our patients through activity and collaborative working.

We pride ourselves in providing a high standard of care within a multi-disciplinary approach, which is recovery focused. We believe we are progressive and forward thinking, seeking to improve our service.  We offer varied training opportunities to support our team and individuals’ development. 

The post holder will do both ward based activities and also help reintegrate our patient into the local community. Risk awareness is essential for this post.  

Main duties of the job

We are looking for people who can work relatively independently, using their own skills (art and craft, cooking/baking, gardening, music and exercise, puzzles and games) to support patients in engaging with meaningful activity, and through this promote wellbeing using a client centred approach.

Although this role will primarily focus on the delivery and planning of activities there will be an expectation for the successful candidate to deliver direct patient care and work directly with the nursing team to ensure Patient care and safety is the main priority. This role will also work closely with our discharge facilitator to help reintegrate our patients into their local community, building support networks outside of the hospital environment. 

The successful candidate must have completed a relevant Diploma Level 3 Relevant level 3 or above qualification e.g in health and/or social care, 
communication, teaching. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).

The successful candidates who do not hold the required qualifications will be expected to enrol on the Activity Coordinator Framework which will include the acquisition of the Level 3 Certificate in Activity Provision in Social Care – Distance learning, level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent and achievement of competencies. You will have a maximum of 2 years to complete. 

Working for our organisation

We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.

From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care —our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.

We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.

We’re committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.

We won’t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom (UK) are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Browse: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Overseas applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).  Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.

Please note that not everyone needs a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or adult social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.

We are able to offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. Please review the job eligibility guidance for skilled workers here: Skilled Worker visa: Your job - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and for the Health and Care Worker visa here: Skilled Worker visa: eligible healthcare and education jobs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please note: if the job you are applying for does not meet the eligibility criteria above, we will be unable to offer you sponsorship and you will need to explore whether you may be eligible to apply for an alternative immigration route which will secure your right to work in the UK before you apply.  If you are in the UK already on a visa please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.