Exercise Therapist

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

The Clinical Exercise therapy team within South West London and St Georges NHS Trust provides specialist multi-disciplinary care for those with mental health disorders. We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Clinical Exercise Therapist to join our well-established team within the Physical Therapies department.

CIMSPA registration number will be checked and applicants will not be shortlisted unless a current registration number is on the application form.

Please note this is NOT a physiotherapy assistant/technician role and you will not be working on rehabilitation for injuries. The role consists of prescribing sport and exercise for patients with mental health issues on the hospital wards, gym and community setting.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work alongside the Senior Clinical Exercise therapist:

to support the planning, co-ordination and delivery of extensive exercise programmes on the hospital wards
to provide clinical exercise prescription in the gym
to lead sports groups
to coach the trust service user football team.

You will be working with individuals with a range of mental health and chronic physical health conditions. In addition you will be involved in health promotion activity focusing on the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle for improved health and wellbeing. Experience of working in a mental health or healthcare setting is desirable.

Candidates will need to have excellent communication, motivational and time management skills. They'll need to be energetic, flexible and creative in their approach to delivering exercise, sports and health improvement programmes, and have a keen interest in working with people with mental health needs. They must have a proven ability to work effectively in a team, have excellent communication and presentation skills.

About us

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

About our locations:

Springfield University Hospital, Tooting

Our largest, 19-ward site is in Springfield Village, created following our £150m investment into two new world class mental health facilities. A 32-acre public park, shops and cafes are coming soon. Close to shops, cafes and Tooting Bec on the Northern Line plus Earlsfield and Tooting rail stations and bus routes.

Date posted

19 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£25,838 to £28,258 a year per annum inclusive of Inner London HCAs

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

294-CORP-6243340-PB

Job locations

Springfield University Hospital

Tooting

SW17 7DJ

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To assess service users suitability for exercise, adhering to American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines where appropriate.
To discuss concerns around any identified medical contraindications to exercise with the wards medical staff.
To tailor a service users sport/exercise therapy programme to their individual needs, taking personal interests and any possible limitations into account.
To be aware of service users history/background/culture and take this into account when designing exercise programmes and contribute to a clinical team risk assessment as appropriate.
To promote and support individual choice and maximum independence, respecting service users beliefs and ensuring privacy & dignity.
To be familiar with medication and the possible side effects when planning /designing exercise therapy sessions.
To plan and deliver a range of clinical exercise and sports interventions, taking into account the differing abilities of service users on the ward and in community settings.
To lead gym sessions, exercise sessions and coaching / sports sessions with individuals and groups.
To maintain and audit fitness equipment to a satisfactory level, ensuring regular maintenance where required, in line with Trust health & safety standards.
To continually review and evaluate service users progress, treatment plans and risk assessments as the service users condition changes, making suitable alterations to their exercise programmes.
To assess risk and manage it effectively within clinical settings, ensuring a safe environment in which to exercise.
To be able to manage challenging behaviour and set clear boundaries within a sport/exercise setting.
To educate service users on Healthy Lifestyle regular exercise, healthy eating, weight management, smoking cessation.
To be able to successfully organise & manage a caseload.

Communication

To demonstrate good interpersonal & communication skills to enable and support service users who may have low motivation to take part in clinical exercise therapy.
To communicate effectively with all MDT members, actively involved in treatment planning.
To be actively involved in wards rounds, community meetings and care plan review meetings as required.
To liaise with outside agencies (e.g. local leisure facility providers / voluntary organisations) with the aim of facilitating clients to exercise independently after discharge from the service

Documentation

To maintain accurate clinical records of care assessment / progress / discharge reports for all service users in accordance with Trust policies.
To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards.

Professional Ethics

To adhere to the Trusts Code of Conduct for Non-Qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.
To adhere to ACSM guidelines around exercise prescription where appropriate.
To adhere to Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS), Chartered institute of the management of physical activity (CIMSPA) or Chartered Institute of Management of Sport and Physical activity code of conduct and guidelines where appropriate.
To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
To demonstrate appropriate professional behaviours at all times.

Leadership, supervision and appraisal

In line with Trust guidelines review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional supervision and appraisal.
Supervise other staff or students as required.
To be able to successfully organise others to manage a busy caseload.
To participate in regular supervision and appraisal.

Training staff and students

To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff.
To participate in the dissemination and sharing of information and skills with staff and students.
To provide training to staff and students on specialist technical skills as agreed with immediate supervisor / Operational Manager

Service development and delivery

To contribute to the planning, reviewing and development of the exercise therapy service with supervisor / team manager.
To participate in departmental evaluation, audit, and research as required.
To participate in team meetings.

Professional development

To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
To keep a CPD file & record of your training and development and to meet the B4 Exercise Therapist KSF outline.
To maintain qualification sufficient to permit Level 3 REPS or CIMPSA registration.
Participate in regular in service training.

Clinical governance, quality, standards

Participate in clinical governance and quality improvement projects as requested by the Team Leader / Operational Manager
To take a lead on specific clinical governance topics.
To comply with all Trust policies.

Other

To maintain stock and advise on resources necessary to carry out the job.
Must hold a current driving license/be able to use own car during working hours or travel efficiently between sites.
Must be prepared to work some evenings/weekends if required.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To assess service users suitability for exercise, adhering to American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines where appropriate.
To discuss concerns around any identified medical contraindications to exercise with the wards medical staff.
To tailor a service users sport/exercise therapy programme to their individual needs, taking personal interests and any possible limitations into account.
To be aware of service users history/background/culture and take this into account when designing exercise programmes and contribute to a clinical team risk assessment as appropriate.
To promote and support individual choice and maximum independence, respecting service users beliefs and ensuring privacy & dignity.
To be familiar with medication and the possible side effects when planning /designing exercise therapy sessions.
To plan and deliver a range of clinical exercise and sports interventions, taking into account the differing abilities of service users on the ward and in community settings.
To lead gym sessions, exercise sessions and coaching / sports sessions with individuals and groups.
To maintain and audit fitness equipment to a satisfactory level, ensuring regular maintenance where required, in line with Trust health & safety standards.
To continually review and evaluate service users progress, treatment plans and risk assessments as the service users condition changes, making suitable alterations to their exercise programmes.
To assess risk and manage it effectively within clinical settings, ensuring a safe environment in which to exercise.
To be able to manage challenging behaviour and set clear boundaries within a sport/exercise setting.
To educate service users on Healthy Lifestyle regular exercise, healthy eating, weight management, smoking cessation.
To be able to successfully organise & manage a caseload.

Communication

To demonstrate good interpersonal & communication skills to enable and support service users who may have low motivation to take part in clinical exercise therapy.
To communicate effectively with all MDT members, actively involved in treatment planning.
To be actively involved in wards rounds, community meetings and care plan review meetings as required.
To liaise with outside agencies (e.g. local leisure facility providers / voluntary organisations) with the aim of facilitating clients to exercise independently after discharge from the service

Documentation

To maintain accurate clinical records of care assessment / progress / discharge reports for all service users in accordance with Trust policies.
To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards.

Professional Ethics

To adhere to the Trusts Code of Conduct for Non-Qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.
To adhere to ACSM guidelines around exercise prescription where appropriate.
To adhere to Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS), Chartered institute of the management of physical activity (CIMSPA) or Chartered Institute of Management of Sport and Physical activity code of conduct and guidelines where appropriate.
To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
To demonstrate appropriate professional behaviours at all times.

Leadership, supervision and appraisal

In line with Trust guidelines review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional supervision and appraisal.
Supervise other staff or students as required.
To be able to successfully organise others to manage a busy caseload.
To participate in regular supervision and appraisal.

Training staff and students

To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff.
To participate in the dissemination and sharing of information and skills with staff and students.
To provide training to staff and students on specialist technical skills as agreed with immediate supervisor / Operational Manager

Service development and delivery

To contribute to the planning, reviewing and development of the exercise therapy service with supervisor / team manager.
To participate in departmental evaluation, audit, and research as required.
To participate in team meetings.

Professional development

To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
To keep a CPD file & record of your training and development and to meet the B4 Exercise Therapist KSF outline.
To maintain qualification sufficient to permit Level 3 REPS or CIMPSA registration.
Participate in regular in service training.

Clinical governance, quality, standards

Participate in clinical governance and quality improvement projects as requested by the Team Leader / Operational Manager
To take a lead on specific clinical governance topics.
To comply with all Trust policies.

Other

To maintain stock and advise on resources necessary to carry out the job.
Must hold a current driving license/be able to use own car during working hours or travel efficiently between sites.
Must be prepared to work some evenings/weekends if required.

Person Specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential

oLevel 2 Gym Instructor qualification
oL1 Sports Coaching Award or coaching experience and a willingness to work towards this qualification
oLevel 3 GP Exercise Referral certificate
oHSE approved First Aid at work course (4 days)
oLevel 3/4 REP's registration number Must be provided

Desirable

oACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
oACSM/NCHPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer
oDegree in Sports Science or equivalent sports related degree
oLevel 4 Certificates in Exercise & Mental Health
oLevel 2 Exercise to Music
oLevel 4 Cardiac Diseases
oLevel 4 Obesity and Diabetes
oLevel 3 Older Adults
oLevel 2 Sports Coaching Award
oAny other L3 or L4 Reps recognised Qualification

Experience

Essential

oExperience of working as a gym instructor, with groups and individuals, screening, assessing and designing exercise programmes
oExperience of coaching/leading sports activities with service users of differing abilities

Desirable

oExperience of assessing and advising on healthy lifestyle issues
oAbility to teach a variety of sports
oExperience of working with service users with physical health conditions
oExperience of working in a mental health or healthcare setting would be desirable.

Person Specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential

oLevel 2 Gym Instructor qualification
oL1 Sports Coaching Award or coaching experience and a willingness to work towards this qualification
oLevel 3 GP Exercise Referral certificate
oHSE approved First Aid at work course (4 days)
oLevel 3/4 REP's registration number Must be provided

Desirable

oACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
oACSM/NCHPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer
oDegree in Sports Science or equivalent sports related degree
oLevel 4 Certificates in Exercise & Mental Health
oLevel 2 Exercise to Music
oLevel 4 Cardiac Diseases
oLevel 4 Obesity and Diabetes
oLevel 3 Older Adults
oLevel 2 Sports Coaching Award
oAny other L3 or L4 Reps recognised Qualification

Experience

Essential

oExperience of working as a gym instructor, with groups and individuals, screening, assessing and designing exercise programmes
oExperience of coaching/leading sports activities with service users of differing abilities

Desirable

oExperience of assessing and advising on healthy lifestyle issues
oAbility to teach a variety of sports
oExperience of working with service users with physical health conditions
oExperience of working in a mental health or healthcare setting would be desirable.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information