The closing date is 13th Sep 2026
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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 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 therapist, and other professionals to deliver high-quality care and therapeutic engagement
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 an environment that supports recovery. Flexibility is essential, as the role may involve working evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays, and lone working
If you are passionate about mental health care and motivated to make a difference, we would love to hear from you
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
Support qualified nurses and professionals in the assessment and treatment of patients
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to assist in the patients recovery
Observe and report patient behaviour and progress to the clinical team
Assist with risk assessments
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
This vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications
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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.
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Job description
As a Band 3 HCA/Activities Co-ordinator, you will:
Engage Patients: Build rapport and motivate patients to engage with the MDT to support their recovery
Collaborate: Work alongside Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and nursing staff with individual rehabilitation goals
Plan & Organise: Manage your own time
Support Clinical Practice: Participate in clinical discussions, contribute to care planning, and risk management
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 - desired)
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
A good standard of general education
Adequate literacy skills
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Desirable
NVQ Level 2
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Experience
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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
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Desirable
Previous experience of working in a mental health setting
Experience in working in groups or individualised working
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Additional Criteria
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Essential
Good Communication skills
Compassionate - with good interpersonal skills
Professional and patient focussed
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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.
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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.
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.
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For help with your application, contact:
Amanda Fear
[email protected]
01823368211
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Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
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Band
Band 3
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Salary
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£25760.00 to £27476.00 Yearly
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Contract
Permanent
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Working pattern
Full-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-GR-5668
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Job locations
Wellsprings Hospital
Cheddon Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 7AU
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