Job Overview
We are looking to recruit a highly motivated individual who is able to work flexibly in a dual role as both a Fitness Instructor and Activity Coordinator at Lavender Walk Adolescent Unit.
As the ward’s fitness instructor, you will support patients to engage in exercise as an intervention to enhance both their physical and mental health needs. The role involves developing therapeutic relationships with patients to promote the benefits of physical activity and supporting them to make positive lifestyle changes.
As an activity coordinator you will run a variety of leisure, social, creative and skills‑based activities with both individuals and groups, provide an exercise & wellbeing service to the unit, and support the nursing team with observation levels, facilitating leave and upskilling healthcare assistants.
Main Responsibilities
- Facilitate gym sessions and group exercise sessions, including gym inductions for inpatients and providing individual programmes.
- Provide staff advice and training for staff supervising the use of gym equipment.
- Take responsibility for regular equipment checks, arranging servicing and reporting repairs, maintaining a safe gym environment on the inpatient wards.
- Keep records of attendance and write in patient records.
- Support young people to improve their health and wellbeing by coaching individuals or groups to lead a healthy lifestyle and carrying out health promotion interventions.
- Facilitate a programme of active, social and skills‑based activities with both individuals and groups of service users to promote social inclusion and improved engagement across the areas of self‑care, productivity and leisure.
- Work closely with the Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT) in coordinating and facilitating client‑centred activities.
- Work creatively to engage young people who may have significant loss of motivation and self‑efficacy due to their mental‑health crisis.
- Provide support in a structured and scheduled manner to the nursing team, including observation levels, facilitating leave, etc.
- Upskill healthcare assistants to allow them to feel more confident in facilitating activities when needed.
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- GCSE grade C or equivalent in Mathematics and English.
- Recognised sports coaching or fitness instructor qualification (HND, ACDM, YMCA, exercise instructor’s certification or other industry‑recognised qualification).
- Current Fitness Instructor / Exercise Referral Instructor qualification (UK Level 3 or above).
- Current registration with REPS or CIMPSA, or agreement to register prior to starting in post.
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of other relevant training or courses.
- Evidence of training specific to facilitating physical activity with adolescents.
Skills
Essential criteria
- Can teach new skills to individuals and groups.
- Can prescribe safe, acceptable and enjoyable exercise programmes for all levels of fitness and ability.
- Ability to work autonomously and within a team.
- Ability to maintain written records and produce reports; good IT skills.
- Good communication skills (written, verbal and basic use of other communication systems, e.g., Microsoft programs, Outlook, and telephone).
Desirable criteria
- Positive attitude to working with mental‑health service users and carers.
- Ability to function effectively within a multi‑professional team and develop cohesive working relationships.
- Ability to maintain clear professional boundaries when working with a challenging patient group.
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working with people in groups and/or individually in either a sports/exercise or care setting.
- Experience of working in a culturally diverse setting.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working in a mental‑health setting (paid or voluntary).
- Experience of working with adolescents.
- Experience of maintaining written records and databases.
- Personal experience of engaging in a broad range of physical activities.
- Experience of working within a team setting.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- An understanding of developments in health and wellbeing, sports and exercise.
Desirable criteria
- An understanding of the needs of individuals affected by mental‑health issues.
- Knowledge of CNWL and its core values.
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