Job Description

We are looking for a motivated and flexible Exercise Specialist who will work as part of our Secure Services Exercise Specialist team, working with our medium and low secure units in Bristol. This is a unique setting, where you will address and improve the physical fitness and general health and well-being of service users in these in-patient mental health units.



You will be a highly motivated, organised individual with experience and expertise in exercise prescription and supervision. This is an excellent opportunity to be able to put your knowledge and skills into practice to work with groups and individuals to plan, organise and deliver physical fitness, exercise and health promotion activities. One of the key challenges of this role is working with varying levels of motivation and ability, will need to be able to enthuse and engage individuals in different and creative ways.

Clinical:

To carry out pre-exercise readiness screening and appropriate physical assessment, to include management of risk and identifying contraindications to physical activity and exercise.

To design, implement, monitor and adapt physical activity and exercise programmes, on an individual and group basis, as appropriate. Observing and monitoring progress and making adjustments to interventions.

To promote, participate and create resources for health promotions and campaigns.

To demonstrate safe moving and handling of gym, and other equipment .

To conduct pre-exercise screens and physical assessments within the parameters of own competency and scope of practice, and referring to more experienced or suitably qualified staff for guidance and support.

Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, carry out specific rehab programmes for a condition or injury.

To assess the safety and appropriateness of physical activity for service users through carrying out a pre-exercise health questionnaire; review of medical notes/physical observations; review of the risk summary of service users and understanding any restrictions in place under the Mental Health Act, as well as being aware of contraindications and precautions for exercise.



We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.



We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.



Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.



At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.

Clinical:

To liaise with medical and nursing staff to identify service users requiring a fitness programme and identifying any potential red flags which might need further investigation.

To carry out pre-exercise readiness screening and appropriate physical assessment, to include management of risk and identifying contraindications to physical activity and exercise.

To design, implement, monitor and adapt physical activity and exercise programmes, on an individual and group basis, as appropriate. Observing and monitoring progress and adjusting interventions.

To provide information and practical advice, within scope of own competency, to service users, carers and staff.

To promote, participate and create resources for health promotions and campaigns.

To demonstrate safe moving and handling of gym, and other equipment.

Work independently within the hospital and community environment, with support available for reference and support.

To be responsible for identifying issues regarding the safeguarding of others who may be at risk and reporting all such concerns in accordance with Trust safeguarding procedures.

To be responsible for ongoing risk assessment around clinical practice and personal safety, and reporting and escalating concerns in line with Trust policy.

To be responsible for carrying own caseload and working without direct supervision, with advice readily available.

To support the development of, contribute towards and implement intervention plans, policies and procedures within range of own competency and scope of practice.

To conduct pre-exercise screens and physical assessments within the parameters of own competency and scope of practice and referring to more experienced or suitably qualified staff for guidance and support.

To observe the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act and to be aware of risks to patients and self, taking all precautionary safety measures required.

Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, carry out specific rehab programmes for a condition or injury.

To assess the safety and appropriateness of physical activity for service users through carrying out a pre-exercise health questionnaire; review of medical notes/physical observations; review of the risk summary of service users and understanding any restrictions in place under the Mental Health.

Act, as well as being aware of contraindications and precautions for exercise.



See for full details