Job summary
An exciting opportunity is available for an enthusiastic and motivated physical activity instructor to join the occupational therapy/physio team at Lambeth hospital. You will be joining an established team that is passionate about improving the physical wellbeing of our service users across the wards, as well as broadening their access to sports and activities in the community.
If you have an interest in supporting the recovery of people with mental health conditions through physical activity then this could be the role for you.
The successful applicant will need to be resilient, resourceful and confident and have a good sense of humour. In return you will be well supported by the occupational therapists and physios and warmly welcomed by the ward staff and service users.
'This role is offered as a fixed term 12 month contract with potential to become permanent.
Please be aware that we will be unable to provide sponsorship for this role.
Main duties of the job
o To implement a range of sports and related activities either 1-1 or group across wards at Lambeth Hospital as part of the therapeutic timetable.
o To support service users to engage in sports and exercise as part of the recovery process and to promote physical wellbeing via sports and exercise to service users and staff.
o To develop and maintain up to date knowledge of resources providing sports and activities in the community, and to support service users to access these.
o To ensure that interventions offered are evidence based and consistent with best practice.
o To work in partnership with the OT/Physio team and undertake pieces of work related to mobility and range of movement following assessment of needs.
About us
About South London and Maudsley:
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK as well as substance misuse services for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. There are very few organisations in the world that have such wide-ranging capabilities working with mental illness. Our scope is unique because it is built on three major foundations: care and treatment, science and research, and training.
The occupational therapy and physiotherapy teams at Lambeth hospital work closely together to promote mental and physical wellbeing across the acute wards. You will be part of a supportive and creative team and will get the opportunity to work in the hospital setting as well as providing a bridge into the community alongside the occupational therapists.
The team has regular meetings and team members are encouraged to take time for CPD activities to enhance their practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To promote sports and exercise across the inpatient setting and provide access to a range of activities in this area.
To discuss concerns around any identified medical contraindications to exercise with the wards medical staff via completion of PAR-Q
To be aware of service users history/background/culture and take this into account when considering group and individual sessions.
To promote and support individual choice and maximum independence, respecting service users beliefs and ensuring privacy & dignity.
To have an awareness of the symptoms of a range of mental health conditions, medication and the possible side effects when planning /designing exercise therapy sessions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To promote sports and exercise across the inpatient setting and provide access to a range of activities in this area.
To discuss concerns around any identified medical contraindications to exercise with the wards medical staff via completion of PAR-Q
To be aware of service users history/background/culture and take this into account when considering group and individual sessions.
To promote and support individual choice and maximum independence, respecting service users beliefs and ensuring privacy & dignity.
To have an awareness of the symptoms of a range of mental health conditions, medication and the possible side effects when planning /designing exercise therapy sessions.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 3 gym instructor qualification, Sports science or other industry recognised equivalent
Desirable
- Register of Exercise Professionals or Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a gym instructor with groups and individuals
- Experience of coaching and facilitating sports activities with individuals of differing abilities
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with mental health or physical health conditions
- Lived experience of a mental health or physical health condition
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
- Basic IT skills
- Good understanding of the nature of risk assessment and positive risk taking
Desirable
- Understanding of the needs of service users in a locked setting
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 3 gym instructor qualification, Sports science or other industry recognised equivalent
Desirable
- Register of Exercise Professionals or Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a gym instructor with groups and individuals
- Experience of coaching and facilitating sports activities with individuals of differing abilities
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with mental health or physical health conditions
- Lived experience of a mental health or physical health condition
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
- Basic IT skills
- Good understanding of the nature of risk assessment and positive risk taking
Desirable
- Understanding of the needs of service users in a locked setting
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
