Location: Springfield University Hospital, 15 Springfield Drive, London, SW17 0YF
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive (Details available upon request)
About South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust is a leading provider of mental health services, known for its commitment to providing the highest quality care for those living with mental ill-health. The Trust has been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with the ambition of becoming ‘Outstanding.’ This is an exciting time to join the team, as they continue to transform the way they care for their communities and support their mission of Making Life Better Together.
The Trust has recently built two state-of-the-art mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, with further developments planned across their sites and services. South West London and St George’s NHS Trust is proud of its inclusive and diverse workforce and strives to be actively anti-racist. The organisation is dedicated to co-producing and involving local communities in all aspects of their services.
Livewell Southwest offers a range of benefits, including flexible working arrangements, career development opportunities, and a welcoming environment in which employees can thrive and grow their careers.
Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Activity Support Worker to join the therapies team at the Shaftesbury Clinic, part of the Forensic Inpatient Service. The successful candidate will collaborate with a large and supportive team of occupational therapists, clinical exercise therapists, technical instructors, and education tutors. This role is vital in helping forensic patients, under the Mental Health Act, to increase their occupational participation and develop essential skills for a smooth transition back into the community.
The Forensic Inpatient Service provides care to men and women in both medium and low secure wards. The service supports individuals with mental health needs who are considered to pose a significant risk to themselves or others. The primary goal of the service is to create a safe, secure environment that fosters rehabilitation and integration into the community.
The therapies team, in which this role is situated, works across four wards and has strong links with occupational therapy colleagues in the forensic outreach service. Occupational therapy interventions aim to develop skills related to education, vocation, creativity, and life skills, helping service users develop a daily routine and build their occupational identity.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborating with the Occupational Therapy team to develop a programme of therapeutic activity for service users with mental health needs, learning disabilities, and autism, especially those who have engaged in offending behaviour.
- Delivering both individual and group interventions aimed at maintaining daily activity and developing skills necessary for reintegration into the community.
- Supporting the implementation of therapeutic, recreational, vocational, and educational activities within the secure environment.
- Assisting service users in maintaining and developing life skills under the guidance of a registered Occupational Therapist.
- Contributing to the delivery of a centralised activity programme, ensuring consistent and engaging activities across the unit.
- Participating in a multidisciplinary approach to care, working with other activity support workers, therapists, and healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for service users.
- Facilitating and supporting access to the forensic recovery college, as well as delivering recovery courses aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Working independently on occasion, facilitating group or individual activities planned with a registered Occupational Therapist.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance.
- Comprehensive career development and training pathways.
- A welcoming, inclusive, and diverse working environment.
- Opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge mental health care in new, world-class facilities.
- Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care.
Requirements
- Qualification in health and social care, such as City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ Level 2, or equivalent skills acquired through in-service development or experience.
- Ability to work independently in both ward and community settings.
- Experience of delivering group or individual interventions in a mental health or social care setting.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
- Good personal organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to develop practical solutions to problems that arise.
- Demonstrable understanding of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of facilitating therapeutic groups in a health and social care setting.
- Knowledge of health and safety and risk management procedures.
- Experience in teaching IT skills or delivering technical training to service users.
- Experience of caring for or supporting individuals with mental health difficulties.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate for each country in which they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Equal Opportunity Statement
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust is an equal opportunity employer. The Trust is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for employees from all backgrounds. They value diversity and are committed to ensuring that no one is discriminated against based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. The Trust encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented communities, fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.
Application Process
To apply for this position, click the “Apply Now” button. Please note that the closing date for applications is 27 October 2024. Early applications are encouraged, as South West London and St George’s NHS Trust may close the job advertisement early if a high volume of applications is received.
Reference Number: 294-FASP-6719523-JB
For More Information
If you would like to learn more about this role, please contact Deborah Murphy. Deputy Head of therapies on this email: Deborah.Murphy@swlstg.nhs.uk
