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Activity Worker

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Activity Worker | North London NHS Foundation Trust

Visa sponsorship available – Skilled Worker applicants are welcome to apply.

North London NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Band 3 Activity Worker to support patients on its acute inpatient mental health wards at Highgate Mental Health Centre, London.

This permanent, full-time position is suitable for applicants with experience supporting people with mental health problems or learning difficulties, or relevant training. Training and a comprehensive induction will be provided to help the successful candidate develop the skills needed for the role.

Job Overview

  • Job title: Activity Worker
  • Employer: North London NHS Foundation Trust
  • Salary: £31,554–£33,270 per year, inclusive of High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS)
  • Band: NHS Band 3
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Working pattern: Full-time
  • Location: Highgate Mental Health Centre, Dartmouth Park Hill, London, N19 5NX
  • Job reference: 455-NLFT-0978-B
  • Date posted: 14 October 2026
  • Closing date: 26 October 2026
  • Visa sponsorship: Applicants requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applicants.

About the Role

The successful candidate will join the Trust’s inpatient Allied Health Professionals (AHP) service, working under the supervision of a ward Occupational Therapist (OT) and alongside the wider multidisciplinary team.

The main aim is to organise meaningful activities that reflect patients’ interests and choices, encourage positive engagement, and support their recovery during their inpatient stay.

The role includes working with patients individually and in groups, helping them maintain existing interests and practical skills, and supporting their transition back into the community.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan, coordinate and deliver individual and group activities based on patients’ interests and care plans.
  • Work closely with nursing staff and Occupational Therapists to encourage engagement and recovery.
  • Supervise patients as delegated and within the limits of your competence.
  • Accompany patients to appropriate activities on and off the hospital site.
  • Observe patients’ behaviour, abilities and progress, reporting relevant changes in their mental state.
  • Record patient interventions in multidisciplinary notes under supervision.
  • Help maintain a safe ward environment and coordinate plans with the shift coordinator.
  • Encourage patients to maintain their interests and skills following discharge.
  • Gather feedback from patients and carers and involve them in activity planning.
  • Participate in supervision, reflective practice and required violence-prevention training.

Staff may occasionally be required to work at other Trust locations across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington.

Working Hours

The post involves two shift patterns:

  • Early shift: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Late shift: 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Weekend working: Every third Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm

Essential Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Experience working with people with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties, or relevant training.
  • Excellent written communication skills.
  • An understanding of meaningful activity and recovery principles.
  • Experience or understanding of teaching practical skills.
  • Experience working as part of a team.
  • The ability to manage their own workload.

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous:

  • Six months or more of relevant experience.
  • Experience using meaningful activities to support recovery.
  • Previous NHS experience.
  • The ability to recognise personal stressors and seek support when needed.

Training and Development

The Trust will provide a robust induction and training to support the successful candidate in this challenging environment. All ward-based staff must also undertake Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training.

The role includes ongoing supervision, reflective practice and opportunities for professional development.

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Benefits

North London NHS Foundation Trust highlights the following benefits:

  • NHS pension scheme.
  • Generous annual leave.
  • NHS staff discounts.
  • Health and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Flexible working support.
  • Staff networks and opportunities for career development.

Visa Sponsorship Information

The advert explicitly welcomes applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship. Applicants will be considered alongside other candidates.

However, sponsorship is not guaranteed for every applicant. Eligibility will depend on the role, the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable immigration requirements.

Applicants who have lived overseas for 12 months or more, continuously or cumulatively, during the previous 10 years may also need criminal record certificates from the relevant countries when applying for UK entry clearance, subject to the applicable rules.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official NHS Jobs vacancy page before 26 October 2026.

For informal enquiries about the position, contact:

  • Contact: Jaqueline Petersen, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist
  • Email: jaqueline.petersen1@nhs.net
  • Telephone: 020 3317 6663

Source: North London NHS Foundation Trust via NHS Jobs.

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