Health Care Assistant / Activity Organiser Uk Visa Sponsorship
Job Description
Employer: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Wellsprings Hospital, Taunton, Somerset
Salary: £25,760 – £27,476 per year
Pay Scale: NHS Agenda for Change, Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Closing Date: 13 September 2026
Reference: 184-OL-GR-5668
About the Role
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a caring, reliable and motivated Health Care Assistant / Activities Co-ordinator to join Holford Ward at Wellsprings Hospital.
Holford Ward is a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) providing support to adults experiencing acute mental health difficulties. As part of the Adult Mental Health and Learning Difficulties Directorate, you will play an important role in helping patients feel safe, supported and engaged in their recovery.
Working alongside registered nurses, occupational therapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team, you will provide practical care while also helping patients take part in meaningful therapeutic and recreational activities.
This position would suit someone who combines compassion with creativity and has the confidence to build positive relationships with people experiencing mental health challenges.
Because this is a busy clinical environment, flexibility is important. The post may include evening, night, weekend and bank holiday shifts, as well as some lone working when activities are being delivered.
Key Responsibilities
Your day-to-day duties will include:
– Supporting registered nurses and other clinical professionals with patient assessment, treatment and recovery.
– Developing positive relationships with patients and encouraging participation in therapeutic activities.
– Working with the multidisciplinary team to support individual recovery and rehabilitation plans.
– Monitoring patients’ presentation, behaviour and progress and communicating relevant observations to the clinical team.
– Contributing to care planning, risk assessments and clinical discussions.
– Maintaining clear, accurate and timely patient records.
– Taking part in handovers, team meetings and other clinical communications.
– Supporting patients with personal care, hygiene and daily living needs when required.
– Helping create positive and therapeutic mealtimes.
– Planning and organising activities that encourage engagement, social interaction and rehabilitation.
– Following safeguarding requirements, health and safety procedures and Trust policies.
– Completing mandatory training and participating in supervision.
– Taking part in audits, service evaluations and quality improvement work.
– Managing your workload effectively while working as part of the wider clinical team.
Where required, the successful applicant may also drive a Trust vehicle for activities away from the hospital. A valid driving licence and suitable insurance would therefore be advantageous.
Working With the Multidisciplinary Team
You will work closely with a range of professionals, including:
– Registered nurses
– Occupational therapists
– Psychologists
– Other members of the multidisciplinary team
You will contribute your observations and practical experience to help the team understand patients’ needs and support their individual recovery goals.
The role also provides opportunities to become involved in service development and initiatives designed to improve the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
What We Are Looking For
Essential Qualifications
Applicants should have:
– A good general standard of education.
– Sufficient literacy skills to complete documentation and communicate effectively within a clinical setting.
Desirable Qualification
– NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification.
Essential Experience
You should have experience of working with people, ideally in a care, healthcare or rehabilitation environment.
Experience supporting individuals with mental health needs or dementia would be particularly relevant to this position.
Desirable Experience
The following would be beneficial:
– Previous employment within a mental health service.
– Experience delivering activities or support either individually or in groups.
– Experience encouraging people to participate in rehabilitation or therapeutic programmes.
Personal Qualities and Skills
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
– Strong verbal and written communication skills.
– A compassionate and respectful approach.
– Good interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
– A professional attitude towards patient care.
– A patient-centred approach to supporting people.
– The ability to work effectively with colleagues from different professional backgrounds.
– Flexibility and reliability in a demanding clinical environment.
Working Hours and Flexibility
This is a full-time permanent position. Due to the nature of the service, you may be required to work:
– Evenings
– Nights
– Weekends
– Bank holidays
– Some periods of lone working during activities
The successful candidate must be comfortable working flexibly according to the needs of the ward and its patients.
About Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a workplace where staff are supported, valued and given opportunities to develop their careers.
Employees can benefit from:
– Flexible working arrangements where service requirements allow.
– Access to the NHS Pension Scheme.
– Generous annual leave entitlement.
– Training, learning and career development opportunities.
– Blue Light Card access and associated discounts.
– NHS-related benefits and staff support.
The Trust values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Why Work and Live in Somerset?
Somerset provides an attractive combination of countryside, coastline and access to larger cities.
The county offers beautiful rural areas and outstanding natural landscapes while providing relatively easy access to places such as Bristol, Bath and Exeter. London is also within approximately two hours’ travel.
With a range of schools and educational facilities and housing costs that can be more affordable than in many parts of southern England, Somerset can be an appealing location for people looking to develop both their careers and their personal lives.
DBS Requirement
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. The successful applicant will therefore be required to undergo the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship
Applicants who require current Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome to apply. Such applications will be considered alongside those from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.
Applicants requiring sponsorship should check the latest UK immigration requirements before applying.
For relevant overseas applicants, UK immigration rules may also require a criminal record certificate from countries where they have lived for the required period.
Application Support
If you require assistance with your application, you can contact:
Amanda Fear
Email: amanda.fear@somersetft.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01823 368211
Vacancy Details
Job Title: Health Care Assistant / Activities Co-ordinator
Band: 3
Salary: £25,760 – £27,476 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change
Reference Number: 184-OL-GR-5668
Closing Date: 13 September 2026
Location
Wellsprings Hospital
Cheddon Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 7AU
