Job overview
We are currently recruiting for a band 4 Exercise Specialists to join the Clinical Exercise and Sport team at West London NHS Trust. Exercise and physical activity is a valued part of the daily rehabilitation programme and takes place either on our on-site gymnasiums/sports halls or in nearby community facilities
You will be a highly motivated individual who can plan and manage your own workload but also work within a variety of teams to better meet service needs. Ideally with a range of experience, you will have the ability to adapt activities and provide innovative solutions to the challenges encountered in the sphere of work.
You’ll need to be able to demonstrate personal involvement and an enthusiastic commitment to a physically active lifestyle. Must be qualified at level 3 within the fitness/exercise and able to run various exercise/fitness classes for staff and service users. A BACPR (British Association of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation) Phase 4 and additional NGB coaching qualifications will be highly desirable.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist the Lead Exercise Specialist in looking after a designated unit of Clinical Exercise & Sport team within the team and be responsible to manage/lead and drive continuous improvement.
The post holder should be able to motivate, manage and lead junior staff and service users. Must be able to assess/motivate and identify service users and staff’s physical activity needs and interests. In addition, plan, devise and run safe individual and group physical activities/programmes which are appropriate for and acceptable to differing client and staff groups within the Trust, evaluating their effectiveness under supervision of Lead Exercise Specialist.
The post holder will work in conjunction with personnel from other departments/disciplines and organisations in promoting and supporting patient’s participation in physical activities
To work with the Lead Exercise Specialist in developing the possible therapeutic uses of physical activity, therapeutic relationships and aiming to integrate them into the general rehabilitation programme.
The Exercise Specialist will need to apply/adapt current knowledge from the fields of health and exercise science to mental health care setting
Working for our organisation
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. CIMSPA level 3 or equivalent
Desirable criteria
2. Health & Fitness related degree BACPR
3. NGB Coaching qualifications
4. Experience as band 4 PAA
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Instruct groups and individuals in a variety of sport, exercise and physical activity
Desirable criteria
6. Worked with young people. Worked with people with mental health problems. Worked in a secure environment. Supervised activities with ‘special’ populations.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
7. Awareness of aspects of current mental care policy and practice OR basic understanding of recent developments in physical activity promotion, sports and exercise leadership and exercise prescription
Desirable criteria
8. Conversant with at least one model of health behaviour change
Skills
Essential criteria
9. Can teach new skills to individuals and groups
Desirable criteria
10. Can prescribe safe, acceptable and enjoyable exercise programmes for all levels of fitness and ability
Other Requirements
Essential criteria
11. Good communication skills.
12. Ability to work alone and in a team
13. Good interpersonal skills
14. Adaptability
15. Enthusiastically endorse a physical active life style.