Overview
Would you like to make a difference to the health of vulnerable adults and young people? Would you like a non-traditional role working as part of an NHS clinical health care team? Do you have an interest in supporting people to improve mental health as well as physical fitness? Would you like to work within a hospital environment?
This post is a permanent part-time role (0.61 WTE, 23 hours per week). Work pattern: Monday 9.30-16.30; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00-16.00. The Fitness Instructor is based at the Old Chapel Gym on the Countess of Chester Health Park site. The service provides a gym service, exercise sessions and health promotion for patients in hospital undergoing assessment and treatment for mental health conditions. Patient groups include individuals with dementia, functional mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia) and neurodiversity.
Main duties
You will work as part of the Fitness and Wellbeing team in managing referrals, providing inductions, developing individualised programmes, and contributing to the day-to-day running of the gym. This role adapts goals to suit patients’ recovery journeys and the dynamic hospital environment. The team is based at the Old Chapel Gym. Exercise sessions occur in the gym and on wards as needed. A creative approach is required to meet changing patient needs (seated exercise, individual or group sessions, or the use of games/sports). There is potential for extra hours on a flexible basis to support service needs.
About Us
We have an established Fitness and Wellbeing service and a well-resourced gym with modern equipment and a timetable. You will be a highly motivated and adaptable team player with at least a Level 2 certificate (REPS recognised). Experience in the NHS, care settings or with vulnerable people is desirable, as is an awareness of how fitness and wellbeing are impacted by mental illness. Excellent communication skills are essential to motivate others about the benefits of physical activity. You will be supported by experienced senior staff. The Fitness and Wellbeing team works closely with ward clinical staff, including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses and volunteers. We support Continuing Professional Development and clinical supervision.
Person Specification
Qualifications (Essential)
* Level 2 Certificate in fitness instructing which includes gym qualification or OCR Level 2 Certificate in teaching exercise and fitness, including gym qualification
* Eligible for registration with Register of Fitness Professionals (REPS)
* First Aid Certificate
Desirable
* GP Exercise referral certificate
* Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
Knowledge and Expertise (Essential)
* Knowledge of human anatomy
* Ability to implement individually tailored physical exercise programmes
* Some awareness of the impact of mental illness and/or learning disability on health and wellbeing
Desirable
* Understanding of the link between physical and mental health
* Knowledge of health promotion and healthy lifestyle topics (nutrition/diet, stress management)
Experience (Essential)
* Experience of delivering exercise classes
* Experience of engaging individuals in physical exercise
Desirable
* Previous experience of working within mental health or Learning Disability services
* Experience in health promotion, care or working with vulnerable people
Details
Employer: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Chapel Gym, Countess of Chester Health Park, Liverpool Road, Chester, CH2 1BQ
Job Type: Part-time, Permanent
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per annum
Reference: 373-SMH2474
Applicants are advised to apply early as a large number of applications may lead to the vacancy being closed before the advertised date. DBS checks are required and costs are deducted from salary after appointment. New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated. For guidance, review the Trust’s values and attend to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme if applicable.
Note: This job posting also includes repeated sections and external links that have been removed to ensure clarity and focus on the role responsibilities and qualifications.
#J-18808-Ljbffr