Activities Coordinator

University Hospitals Sussex; Tudhoe; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an Activities Coordinator to support patients in rehabilitation efforts. The role involves planning and delivering engaging activities to enhance physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. You will work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure activities meet rehabilitation goals. An ideal candidate should possess experience in a care setting, strong communication skills, and a qualification in health-related subjects. This is a full-time position requiring dedication and a passion for patient care.

Benefits

Wellbeing programs

Flexible working options

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience working in a rehabilitation ward or similar healthcare setting.
• Evidence of supporting or leading improvement projects.
• Training in dementia care, cognitive simulation, mental health awareness or rehabilitation support.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and deliver a schedule of therapeutic activities.
• Provide one-to-one and group-based sessions tailored to individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team for patient support.

Skills

Experience working with adults in a care setting

Basic IT skills

Communication skills

Activity provision skills

Education

Good standard of general education

Qualification in health-related subjects

Job description

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Main area Support/therapeutic role Grade Band 3 Contract 18 months (Fixed term) Hours 37.5 hours per week (Full time - 37.5 hours per week.) Job ref 279-7671784-JAN26

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Newhaven Community Ward Town Newhaven Salary £24,937 - £26,598 pa pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 01/02/2026 23:59

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values . We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research , we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

Newhaven Community Ward provides rehabilitation-focused care for patients recovering from illness, injury or surgery. We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative and organised Activities Coordinator to support patients in regaining confidence, independence and wellbeing during their rehabilitation journey.

In this role, you will plan and deliver a programme of meaningful, person-centred activities that complement individual therapy goals. Working closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nursing staff and families, you will help enhance the patient experience and contribute to a positive, supportive and stimulating ward environment.

Main duties of the job

Plan, organise and deliver a daily schedule of therapeutic, social, cognitive and creative activities that support rehabilitation goals.

Provide one-to-one and group-based sessions tailored to individual needs, abilities and interests.

Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure activities align with therapy plans and promote independence.

Encourage patient participation, motivation and confidence, especially for those who may be anxious, withdrawn or experiencing reduced mobility.

Support activities that promote daily living skills, mobility, orientation and community re-engagement.

Monitor patient engagement and provide feedback to clinical staff to support ongoing care planning.

Help create a positive, inclusive and stimulating ward atmosphere that enhances emotional wellbeing and reduces isolation.

Maintain activity resources, ensure safe use of equipment, and follow all ward safety and infection control procedures.

Assist with organising seasonal events, themed sessions, ward-based celebrations and family-inclusive activities.

Contribute to patient-centred care by upholding dignity, respect, and the Trust’s values at all times.

Working for our organisation

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Newhaven Community Ward provides rehabilitation-focused inpatient care for adults recovering from acute illness, injury, surgery or complex health conditions. Our aim is to support patients in regaining independence and confidence in preparation for a safe and timely return home or onward community placement.

The Activities Coordinator plays a vital role in enhancing patients’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing through a structured programme of meaningful, therapeutic and recreational activities. Working as part of the wider multidisciplinary team, you will design and deliver activities that complement clinical rehabilitation plans, encourage engagement, and improve quality of life.

You will work closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nursing staff, support workers, patients and families to ensure each activity is appropriate, person-centred and tailored to individual needs and goals. Activities may include gentle physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, social interaction, crafts, reminiscence, orientation support, music, games, outdoor activities, and daily living–focused tasks designed to promote independence.

This role requires a compassionate, proactive and creative individual who can use strong communication skills to build rapport with patients who may have reduced mobility, cognitive impairment, low motivation or long-term conditions. You will be a key contributor to creating a positive and stimulating ward environment, reducing isolation and promoting a sense of purpose, routine and achievement for patients throughout their stay.

Main Responsibilities

Activity Planning and Delivery

Develop, implement and maintain a structured weekly timetable of activities aligned to rehabilitation goals.

Lead one-to-one and group sessions that promote mobility, independence, cognition, social interaction and emotional wellbeing.

Adapt activities to ensure inclusivity for patients with varying physical, cognitive or sensory needs.

Support therapeutic goals set by physiotherapists and occupational therapists through mobility exercises, ADL-focused tasks, orientation prompts, and other functional activities.

Use creativity to design sessions that are enjoyable, engaging and meaningful for patients.

Patient Support and Engagement

Build positive relationships with patients and motivate participation, particularly for individuals who may be withdrawn, anxious or low in confidence.

Provide reassurance, encouragement and emotional support to help patients engage with their rehabilitation programmes.

Monitor patient responses, preferences and abilities to ensure activities remain suitable and therapeutic.

Contribute to individualised care plans by providing feedback and observations to the clinical team.

Collaboration and Communication

Work closely with therapists, nurses and healthcare support workers to ensure activities complement clinical interventions.

Attend MDT discussions where appropriate and provide updates on patient engagement and progress.

Maintain professional communication with families, carers and volunteers to support patient-centred care.

Act as a positive ambassador for meaningful activity as an essential part of rehabilitation.

Ward Environment and Resources

Maintain and organise activity materials, ensuring they are safe, clean and accessible.

Create displays, noticeboards and themed events that enhance the ward environment.

Support seasonal celebrations, community links, outings or virtual events as appropriate.

Contribute to maintaining a calm, inclusive and stimulating atmosphere on the ward.

Documentation and Governance

Keep accurate records of activity participation and patient engagement in accordance with Trust policies.

Report any concerns regarding patient wellbeing, safety or safeguarding promptly to senior staff.

Follow all infection prevention procedures, moving and handling guidelines, and health and safety policies.

Ensure activities are risk assessed and delivered safely at all times.

Professional Conduct

Uphold the Trust’s values and commitment to compassionate, high-quality patient care.

Participate in training, supervision and development opportunities to maintain skills and enhance practice.

Maintain confidentiality and promote dignity and respect for every patient.

Person specification

• Good standard of general education. Achieved grades/certificates
• Basic IT skills
• Experience working with adults in a care setting
• , group sessions or engagement programmes
• Experience in data collecting, Excel, and presentations.
• Experience working in a rehabilitation ward or similar healthcare setting.
• Evidence of supporting or leading on improvement projects.
• Qualification or training in activity provision, therapeutic activities, arts, sports or health related subjects.
• Training in dementia care, cognitive simulation, mental health awareness or rehabilitation support.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications

We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early:

In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Cassie Knight Job title Matron Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 01273 665066 Additional information

Please email [e-mail] or [e-mail] for any further questions.