Activity Worker

We are looking for highly motivated people to be part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing positive care for our service users across North London NHS Foundation Trust's Inpatient AHP service, in the role of Band 3 Activity Worker.

Working on our acute inpatient wards at Highgate Mental Health Centre West, 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 and support role and professional development.

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). Applicants are encouraged to contact the Clinical Lead 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 (Early 9-5, Late 12-8), as well as every third Saturday/Sunday (9-5).

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.

Why NLFT?

. We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.

. We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

. NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme

. Excellent internal staff network

Details

Date posted

14 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£31,554 to £33,270 a year

Per annum inclusive of HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

455-NLFT-0978-B

Job locations

Highgate Mental Health Centre

Dartmouth Park Hill

London

N19 5NX

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

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.

• 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 behaviour 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 OT. This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties. For further details / informal visits contact:

Job responsibilities

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.

• 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 behaviour 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 OT. This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties. For further details / informal visits contact:

Person Specification

Experience or qualification

Essential

• Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties or associated training

Desirable

• 6 months + experience

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

• NHS experience

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

• 6 months + experience

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

• NHS experience

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

North London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Highgate Mental Health Centre

Dartmouth Park Hill

London

N19 5NX

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

North London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Highgate Mental Health Centre

Dartmouth Park Hill

London

N19 5NX

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

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.

• 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 behaviour 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 OT. This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties. For further details / informal visits contact:

Experience or qualification

Essential

• Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties or associated training

Desirable

• 6 months + experience

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

• NHS experience

Experience

Essential

• Ability to manage own work load

Desirable

• ability to recognise own stressors and ask for support as needed