Job summary
We may close this vacancy early if we receive high volume of suitable applications. Please submit your application as soon as possible if interested in the role.
12 MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT
We are pleased to be able to offer an exciting opportunity for an Activity Co-ordinator.
Our diverse team work together to provide an innovative, trauma focused treatment programme for male offenders within a high secure prison. Our cutting-edge treatment relies upon people skilled and interested in working relationally with prisoners to increase meaningful activity and resilience.
Post-holders will both deliver and support operational staff in the delivery of a range of activities with patients in our service on a 1:1 and group basis. This population can be hard to engage so we are looking for highly motivated and innovative individuals. You will be supported with regular supervision, access to varied training opportunities and encouraged to build relationships with the wider team. The role is fixed for one year, with the possibility of extension.
Main duties of the job
To provide and coordinate meaningful groups and activities both on the spur and in the day centre, whilst considering individual interests and goals.
To work jointly with operational staff to provide meaningful activities on and off of the prison wing.
To offer group-based sessions with a focus on skill development/social inclusion/community integration/recovery.
To work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team including clinical and operational staff.
To contribute to service improvement initiatives both on the wing and in the service.
About us
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high-quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting and empowering them to lead a fulfilling life.
Our clinical teams deliver many NHS services, not only via inpatient and primary care settings, but also within the community. These services include children's, adult and older people's mental health, forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, research and development.
To achieve our goal, we look to recruit high-calibre candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from under-represented groups including disabled people and members of our ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
For further information on CPFT, please visit our website at
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities
1. To lead in the planning and organization of therapeutic activities on the wing and day centre, with oversight and direction from the activity and oversight of the outreach lead and wider team.
2. Working under the regular direction/instruction of an activities lead the activity coordinator will ensure groups therapeutic potential is maximized with skill-development and meaningful activity in mind.
3. The Activity coordinator may contribute to any relevant assessment completed by Therapists in the team by providing feedback on engagement and presentations within groups.
4. To monitor and note progress of clients and report back to MDT in the weekly MDT meetings.
5. To attend and contribute to the daily debrief meetings, weekly MDTs and yearly treatment review meetings.
6. To contribute to evaluation, modifying and monitoring of the therapeutic program under supervision of a relevant professional.
7. To develop and maintain effective, therapeutic and professional relationships with residents, including those who may be considered difficult to engage or may a present a risk to self / others.
8. To assist /support / encourage patients to participate in meaningful and purposeful occupations and routines.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
1. Good level of secondary education to GCSE level 5 GCSEs
Desirable
2. NVQ level 3 qualification in care, specific technical skill, or equivalent qualifications (, 2 A-Levels A-C or higher)
3. Related Health or Social Care qualification.
4. Undergraduate Advanced Diploma or Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Degree.
Experience
Essential
5. Experience of working with people who have mental health difficulties, particularly personality disorder, or significant interest in doing so.
6. Experience in planning and organising activities and groups in a care setting.
7. Experience working within the care sector, or significant interest in doing so.
Desirable
8. Previous experience within Occupational Therapy department or activity coordination role.
9. Lived experience of mental health challenges.
10. Experience in working with those with a diagnosis of personality disorder (PD).
11. Experience working with third sector organisations.
12. Experience of delivering therapeutic group work in an inpatient or secure setting.
13. Experience in adapting groups and activities for individual needs/skill level.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
14. A positive approach and attitude towards patient care and therapeutic activities.
15. To record information clearly and accurately.
16. Clear communication skills both written and verbal.
17. To be a good team worker with effective interpersonal skills
18. To have ability to negotiate and advocate on behalf of client.
19. To be flexible and adaptable.
20. To work with conflict and change.
21. To undertake/seek out professional supervision as required.
22. Confidence in group facilitation.
23. Ability to work independently and use own initiative.
Desirable
24. Presentation skills.
25. Interest areas that could be applied in therapeutic activities (An interest in sports, gardening, and 'DIY' would be of benefit).
Knowledge & understanding
Essential
26. Knowledge of common mental health difficulties.
27. To have a clear understanding of boundaries of the responsibilities of the role.
Desirable
28. Knowledge of how meaningful activity can impact wellbeing and recovery.
29. Knowledge and understanding of personality disorder (PD).
30. Knowledge and understanding of least restrictive practice.
31. Knowledge of risk management and mitigation.
32. Appreciation of the community resources within the geographical location of the post and key partners.
Physical Requirements
Essential
33. Routine and regular use of desk and computer.
34. Some travel with service users may be required at times.
35. Physical activity, such as low-level exercise and gardening will be required.
36. Bending, lifting and potential manual handling tasks may be involved.
Other
Essential
37. To be motivated towards personal and team development.