Occupational Therapy Recreational Worker
Job summary
Are you looking for part time work? We have a rewarding role based in our friendly team!
We are looking for a person who is passionate about providing excellent care to the adult acute mental health population, and who want to contribute to the therapeutic input provided for people using our services at our site in Radlett.
The Recreational Worker organises and provides a predominantly ward-based recreational/leisure service, based on the adult acute mental health wards.
The activities they facilitate occur alongside therapeutic interventions from the Occupational Therapy service, Psychology, Arts therapies and the ward Nursing Team to enhance a service user's stay in hospital.
The recreational service is provided during afternoons, evenings, weekends and bank holidays
As this is a part time role, we would be unable to offer sponsorship due to the Home Office salary threshold, for further information: https://www.gov.uk/
Main duties of the job
- You will organise and provide a predominantly ward-basedrecreational/leisure servicesuch as gardening groups, craft sessions, music activities, sports/active sessions, facilitating gym sessions, games, etc.
- You will be based on the adult acute mental health wards where service users require support for a range of diagnoses such as psychosis, depression, or anxiety.
- The recreational service is provided during afternoons, evenings and weekends and so the role requires working in the early evenings until 8pm and on the weekends 9 -5.
- The team consists of a Lead and Head Occupational Therapist, Band 6 and 5 Occupational Therapists, Assistant Therapy Practitioners, and a Horticultural Therapist. We work closely with Art and Drama Therapists, and Psychologists.
- The Recreational Worker role offers the opportunity to provide the main link between the wards and the therapy team.
In return, we can offer you:
- 5% on top of basic salary high cost allowance supplement (subject to a minimum and a maximum payment pro rata)
- 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service) plus bank holidays (pro rata where applicable)
- One of the UK's best pension schemes
- Comprehensive health and wellbeing services
- Special leave for family and personal reasons
- NHS Car Lease Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.
Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
Details
Date posted
28 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£26,240 to £27,928 a year Per annum, Pro rata (5% HCAS Included)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
367-A&UC-9897
Job locations
Kingfisher Court, Harper Lane, Radlett, WD7 9HQ
Harper Lane
Radlett
WD7 9HQ
Job description
Job responsibilities
- You will work effectively as a member of a team in providing social, recreational and leisure activities using a person centered approach.
- You will provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and motivation to engage in recreational sessions.
- You will use technical / creative skills to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities to promote independence, recovery and well-being.
- Under supervision of an Occupational Therapist, to facilitate and participate in planned group-work and individual activities.
- Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, to contribute to the ongoing assessment and adjustment of clinical interventions based on the fluctuating needs of the service users.
For a more detailed description, please see attached JD and PS.
Job descriptionJob responsibilities
- You will work effectively as a member of a team in providing social, recreational and leisure activities using a person centered approach.
- You will provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and motivation to engage in recreational sessions.
- You will use technical / creative skills to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities to promote independence, recovery and well-being.
- Under supervision of an Occupational Therapist, to facilitate and participate in planned group-work and individual activities.
- Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, to contribute to the ongoing assessment and adjustment of clinical interventions based on the fluctuating needs of the service users.
For a more detailed description, please see attached JD and PS.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING
Essential
- Facilitation and use of activity in group settings
- Maths and English GCSE grade C or above or equivalent
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated packages
- Willingness to undertake relevant training to the post
Desirable
- Qualification relevant to the post
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Some experience working in paid or voluntary employment or community work relevant to post.
- Experience of working with individuals and groups
Desirable
- Experience of working with people/caring for people with mental health problems, learning disabilities or special needs.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Essential
- Ability to provide and receive sensitive information regarding services users care and social situation.
- Good communication skills written and verbal.
- Ability to use a range of communication skills to overcome barriers to engagement.
- Ability to work effectively in a team.
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Essential
- Basic problem solving and clinical judgement skills
- Ability to respond appropriately to the changing needs of service users
- Good Observational skills
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING
Essential
- Facilitation and use of activity in group settings
- Maths and English GCSE grade C or above or equivalent
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated packages
- Willingness to undertake relevant training to the post
Desirable
- Qualification relevant to the post
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Some experience working in paid or voluntary employment or community work relevant to post.
- Experience of working with individuals and groups
Desirable
- Experience of working with people/caring for people with mental health problems, learning disabilities or special needs.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Essential
- Ability to provide and receive sensitive information regarding services users care and social situation.
- Good communication skills written and verbal.
- Ability to use a range of communication skills to overcome barriers to engagement.
- Ability to work effectively in a team.
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Essential
- Basic problem solving and clinical judgement skills
- Ability to respond appropriately to the changing needs of service users
- Good Observational skills
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Kingfisher Court, Harper Lane, Radlett, WD7 9HQ
Harper Lane
Radlett
WD7 9HQ
Employer's website
https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Kingfisher Court, Harper Lane, Radlett, WD7 9HQ
Harper Lane
Radlett
WD7 9HQ
Employer's website
Salary range
- £5 - £27,928 per year