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Job summary

Main area
Mental Health Inpatients
Grade
Band 4
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (some flexibility in response to service user need)
Job ref
152-M230.25A
Employer
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
St. Ann's Hospital
Town
Poole
Salary
£27,485 - £30,162 p.a.
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
16/10/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust logo

Exercise Therapy Practitioner

Band 4

 

 

Job overview

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

 

Main duties of the job

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 a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course 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.

Working for our organisation

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

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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 [email protected]

Person specification

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential criteria
  • Listed on current register of Exercise Instructors
  • Level 3 Advanced Gym Instructor
  • Referral Programme Consultation
  • Exercise and Mental Health Qualification
Desirable criteria
  • First Aid at Work Qualification

Job specific experience

Essential criteria
  • Good personal organisation skills
  • Health/social care/experience
  • Positive interpersonal skills
Desirable criteria
  • Mental Health experience

Information Technology

Essential criteria
  • Basic knowledge of word processing

Personal qualities/attributes

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning

Employer certification / accreditation badges

National Interim Quality MarkNHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardModern Slavery ActApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveInvestors in PeopleImproving working livesArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Mindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerCare quality commission - OutstandingPrince's Trust - Proud to support the Prince's trust - Youth can do itStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible WorkingArmed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Kelly Haysom
Job title
Therapies Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01202492074
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