Job summary
We are looking for a Physical Health Practitioner to join the PhysicalTherapies Team based at Langdon Hospital.
Therole involves supporting, leading, developing & managing the provision of physical activity in the Medium/Low Secure Units, aswell as the Gyms/facilities across Langdon Hospital.
You will be under theleadership of the Specialist Physiotherapist & the Lead Physical HealthPractitioner, along with 4 other Physical Health Practitioners, which forms part of the wider OccupationalTherapy Team on site.
Thepost holder will use their specialist skills & knowledge of physical activity,exercise & rehabilitation to set up & adapt tailored sessions, exerciseprogrammes & physical health & social activities, to meet the individualneeds of the patients. Providing a variety of appropriate opportunities toimprove their physical & mental health and well-being.
You will be responsible for managing your own caseload and take the lead for coordinating, supportingand planning physical activity both on site & in the community. You willalso take a lead in teaching & promoting healthy lifestyle strategies topatients & staff, supporting patients to make informed healthy lifestylechoices.
The team are supporting the implementation of CQC, TrustPhysiotherapy/Exercise Professional, 4 Year Healthy Lifestyle strategy, PhysicalHealth Operations Group and National Guidance focused initiatives andinterventions.
The role is dynamic & challenging, but very rewarding.
Main duties of the job
The role includessupporting the delivery of gym sessions, long-term condition rehab sessions, therapeutic basedactivity, community integration work, healthy lifestyle education sessions, team sports & exercise groups.
You will work from a set timetable of sessions which will be run in either group sessions or sessions will focus on specific needs of thepatient & their rehabilitation/physical health/ongoing health condition.
You will also support patients to lead a moreactive/healthy lifestyle, as well as trying to motivate & educate them toexercise & think about how to improve their diet, physical health & fitness.
Excellent communication & interpersonal skills are required to supportpatients as there may occasionally be challenging situations which you'll need to manage effectively.
You will be innovative,adaptable & flexible in your approach across a wide service of patients withvarious comorbidities.
We advise booking a visit in advance so you can view the working environment.
If you can demonstrate the required experience, currently hold a Level 2 qualification & have enrolled to work towards an appropriate Level 3 qualification,there is an opportunity to be recruited into a Band 3 Physical Activity Support Worker training role. Please see attached Job Description. You could then work as a Band 4 once you have the required Level 3 qualification.
You will be expected to work towardsthe Level 4 qualification within 1 year, as per the job description.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for further information on both the Band 3 and Band 4 roles.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
1. Experience of working with people as part of a team.
2. Understanding of working with individuals who may display challenging behaviour/ mental health problems.
3. Understanding of mental health problems and effects on motivation.
4. Significant knowledge relating to exercise and mental health benefits.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of how mental health issues/history of offending can affect a persons level of engagement.
7. Previous management/supervisor experience.
Desirable
8. Experience of working in mental health setting.
Qualifications
Essential
9. Appropriate Level 3 Sports or Gym qualification Personal training/exercise referral.
10. Currently holding or working towards an appropriate Level 4 specialist exercise/rehabilitation qualification, within 12 months of start date.
11. Appropriate fitness instructor Level 2 gym qualification.
12. GCSE English & Maths grade c or above or equivalent.
13. Basic IT Skills.
14. Competent swimmer - 50 metres minimum.
15. Qualification in first aid or willingness to achieve this.
16. Relevant sports teaching qualification.
Desirable
17. Degree Level in Sports/Exercise sciences or Sports Therapy is desirable.
18. Exercise Referral/Specialist Rehabilitation qualifications Pulmonary Rehabilitation/Cardiac Rehabilitation. Experience and qualifications in teaching Mindfulness and therapeutic based activities such as Tai Chi/Yoga would be desirable.
Experience
Essential
19. Experience of working in a gym environment and exercise instruction as an Exercise Professional.
20. Significant experience of working with people with mental health issues/challenging behaviour or history of offending.
21. Previous teaching experience of healthy lifestyle issues.
22. Experience of working in community sports projects.
23. Exercise and long-term condition management.
Desirable
24. Previous inpatient experience in healthcare.
25. Experience in working in Exercise Referral/GP Referral and/or Physiotherapy Assistant and mental health experience would be desirable.