Head of Activities

Job summary

Residents’ affairs and Entertainment

·  Plan a varied programme of activities which will include physical, mental, social and spiritual stimulation both, individually and within groups.

·  Promote independence, making every effort to encourage residents to continue any former hobbies they may have and make provision for them to use the rooms available if they wish outside of organised sessions.

·  Develop innovative activity sessions which target the needs of the individual resident, with reference information contained on PCS

·  Participate in the planning and production of celebration events e.g. the yearly garden party.

·  Plan, type and display a weekly programme of activities and events.

·  Regularly update display noticeboards, on each wing and main notice board near reception to display recent activities and social events.

·  Ensure that activities and interactions are documented on person centred software.

·  After confirming GDPR consent requirements, take photographs and store these in a profile for each resident, for birthdays, celebrations and activity sessions attended where appropriate.

·  Maintain effective communication with Nurse in Charge of each wing through regular documented meetings.

·  Maintain records of activity department costs to remain within budget, liaising with Finance Department.

·  Assist the residents at meal times as directed by Nurse Manager or Senior staff member on Wing.

·  Where licence permits, ability to drive the minibus in line with the St. Vincent’s Nursing Home Minibus Policy.

·  Production of a regular newsletter to send to residents and families.

·  Manage Activity Department budget with direction and support from Finance Manager, keep records of spending

Leadership and Management

·  Prepare monthly rotas for the Activities Team.

·  Use the e-rostering system, manage/log sickness/annual leave and overtime for the Activity Team.

·  Meet with Clinical Management on a daily basis to keep them updated on developments within the department.

·  Recruit new members to the Activity Team when required.

·  Motivate, lead and manage the Activity Team, encouraging new suggestions and initiatives.

·  Chair department meetings, document and file minutes and action points, follow up on actions, attend daily clinical meetings and lead daily briefings for the Activity Team.

·  Maintain professional working relationships with colleagues across the organisation.

·  Following appointment by the clinical team, to lead volunteer induction and orientation within the Activities team

Training, Supervision and Appraisal 

·  Be aware of your teams’ personal limitations and provide reasonable instructions.

·  Completion of all mandatory training in a timely manner and ensure that the team are supported to do so also

·  Highlight any additional training that is required to complete role effectively

·  Participate in annual appraisal and professional development review.

·  Conduct appraisals and supervision for team members seeking support when required.

·  Ensure that all the relevant St Vincent’s policies and procedures are understood and adhered to, maintain awareness of all policies especially those in relation to health and safety, risk management, communication, GDPR (general data protection regulation) and POVA (prevention of abuse to vulnerable adults).