Band 4 Exercise Specialist - Weston-Super-Mare

Job overview

We are looking for a motivated and flexible Exercise Specialist who will work as part of our Mental Health Inpatient Exercise team, working with our inpatients in North Somerset. You will address and improve the physical fitness and general health and well-being of service users in these in-patient mental health units there may also be some opportunities for community outreach work.

You will be a highly motivated, organised individual with experience and expertise in exercise prescription and supervision. This is an opportunity to be able to put your knowledge and skills into practice to work with groups and individuals to plan, organise and deliver physical fitness, exercise and health promotion activities. One of the key challenges of this role is working with varying levels of motivation and ability, will need to be able to enthuse and engage individuals in different and creative ways. Right to Work in the UK: This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application, as the organisation is unable to support sponsorship for this post.

Main duties of the job

• To carry out pre-exercise readiness screening and appropriate physical assessment, to include management of risk and identifying contraindications to physical activity and exercise.
• To design, implement, monitor and adapt physical activity and exercise programmes, on an individual and group basis, as appropriate. Observing and monitoring progress and making adjustments to interventions.
• To promote, participate and create resources for health promotions and campaigns.
• To demonstrate safe moving and handling of gym, and other equipment.
• To conduct pre-exercise screens and physical assessments within the parameters of own competency and scope of practice, and referring to more experienced or suitably qualified staff for guidance and support.
• Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, carry out specific rehab programmes for a condition or injury.
• To assess the safety and appropriateness of physical activity for service users through carrying out a pre-exercise health questionnaire; review of medical notes/physical observations; review of the risk summary of service users and understanding any restrictions in place under the Mental Health Act, as well as being aware of contraindications and precautions for exercise.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical:

• To liaise with medical and nursing staff to identify service users requiring a fitness programme and identifying any potential red flags which might need further investigation.
• To provide information and practical advice, within scope of own competency, to service users, carers and staff.
• To promote, participate and create resources for health promotions and campaigns.
• To demonstrate safe moving and handling of gym, and other equipment.
• Work independently within the hospital and community environment, with support available for reference and support.
• To be responsible for identifying issues regarding the safeguarding of others who may be at risk and reporting all such concerns in accordance with Trust safeguarding procedures.
• To be responsible for ongoing risk assessment around clinical practice and personal safety, and reporting and escalating concerns in line with Trust policy.
• To be responsible for carrying own caseload and working without direct supervision, with advice readily available.
• To support the development of, contribute towards and implement intervention plans, policies and procedures within range of own competency and scope of practice.
• To conduct pre-exercise screens and physical assessments within the parameters of own competency and scope of practice and referring to more experienced or suitably qualified staff for guidance and support.
• To observe the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act and to be aware of risks to patients and self, taking all precautionary safety measures required.
• Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, carry out specific rehab programmes for a condition or injury.
• To assess the safety and appropriateness of physical activity for service users through carrying out a pre-exercise health questionnaire; review of medical notes/physical observations; review of the risk summary of service users and understanding any restrictions in place under the Mental Health.Act, as well as being aware of contraindications and precautions for exercise.

Please see the attached Job Description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.

Applicant requirements

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.