Physical Health Practitioner

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 TrustWe 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 doOur valuesWe 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 Experience of working with people as part of a team.
Understanding of working with individuals who may display challenging behaviour/ mental health problems.
Understanding of mental health problems and effects on motivation.
Significant knowledge relating to exercise and mental health benefits.
Demonstrate an understanding of benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.
Demonstrate an understanding of how mental health issues/history of offending can affect a persons level of engagement.
Previous management/supervisor experience.
Desirable Experience of working in mental health setting.
Qualifications Essential Appropriate Level 3 Sports or Gym qualification Personal training/exercise referral.
Currently holding or working towards an appropriate Level 4 specialist exercise/rehabilitation qualification, within 12 months of start date.
Appropriate fitness instructor Level 2 gym qualification.
GCSE English & Maths grade c or above or equivalent.
Basic IT Skills.
Competent swimmer - 50 metres minimum.
Qualification in first aid or willingness to achieve this.
Relevant sports teaching qualification.
Desirable Degree Level in Sports/Exercise sciences or Sports Therapy is desirable.
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 Experience of working in a gym environment and exercise instruction as an Exercise Professional.
Significant experience of working with people with mental health issues/challenging behaviour or history of offending.
Previous teaching experience of healthy lifestyle issues.
Experience of working in community sports projects.
Exercise and long-term condition management.
Desirable Previous inpatient experience in healthcare.
Experience in working in Exercise Referral/GP Referral and/or Physiotherapy Assistant and mental health experience would be desirable.