An opportunity has arisen for a full time (37.5 hours a week) exercise instructor to join our current full time exercise instructor within the therapies team at St. Ann's hospital, our busy mental health inpatient unit.
The post holder will have experience in working with people who have mental health problems be skilled at motivating people with compassion to engage in exercise in order to support their physical and mental health.
The 2 exercise instructors will deliver an inclusive and responsive exercise service that has the flexibility to meet the needs and capitalise on the strengths of the people in the hospital.
The post holder will be managed by the therapies manager who is an occupational therapist and will work closely with physiotherapy, occupational therapy and ward teams at the hospital.
Ongoing professional development is a core part of these roles and there will be support to promote best practice in exercise provision for the people who use our service.
Applicants will need to have successfully completed their Level 3 Personal Trainer and Level 3 Exercise Referral training
To provide fitness instruction and to ensure safe practice in the
working environment and in the gym.
To induct staff to the gym to enable them to supervise patients with
fitness the programmes devised by the exercise instructor.
To respond to referrals for service users, to induct service users to the
gym, provide fitness programmes admonitor progress.
You will be required to undertake aPrevention and Management of Violence and Aggressioncourse and it is a condition of your employment that you successfully complete all aspects of this course; if this is not achieved you will not be able to commence working in the post.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
This advert closes on Thursday 4 Sep 2025