Sports Therapist | Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Are you an experienced level 2 qualified gym instructor and looking for an opportunity to work for the NHS in a clinical setting?

We have a vacancy at Park Royal Centre for Mental Health; Low secure services- Tasman and Java House for a Band 4 Sports Therapist. The low secure service has two units that offer therapeautic and rehabilitative care to mental health service users. Mental health services place significant importance on physical health and wellbeing and their positive impact on a person's mental health. This post is therefore highly valued and seen as an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team.

The post holder will be based at Park Royal Centre for Mental Health, Tasman Ward, work alongside the team and ward staff, and receive regular supervision from an occupational therapist.

Candidates will need to have NVQ Level 3 or above Gym/Fitness
instructor qualification (CYQ certificate in Fitness instructing), Sports/sports therapy related advance diploma or equivalent in working with people in sports/exercise. They should be able to adapt exercise programmes for all abilities and support mental health service users post discharge to maintain exercise as an essential part of their recovery Experience of running groups and ability to work positively with people who have mental health issues is essential.

We are looking for a person who is able to work using their own initiative to motivate and encourage mental health service users to access physical activities to support their recovery. This will include exercise-based activities for individuals and gym groups. The post-holder will be expected to manage the unit gym, instruct service users in equipment use, devise individual fitness programmes and maintain the equipment. There would also be an expectation to facilitate exercise and fitness groups on the wards and offer general advice regarding health and wellbeing. A good local knowledge of sports and fitness and community facilities is also required in order to advise and support service users so they can access this following discharge.

The staff should be able to support service users in accessing community facilities and resources, while ensuring co-production.

The post holder will work with the physical health lead and other members of the MDT to provide data on the impacts of sports therapy on the patient's overall progress.

As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.

The service offers a unique opportunity for you to work closely with an experienced occupational therapist and other multi-disciplinary team members. You will have the guidance and support of monthly supervision and annual appraisal to ensure your professional growth. Additionally, you will be able to participate in reflective practice sessions tailored to support and enhance your skills. Access to a well equipped gym facilities is provided for patient's and your well being. Furthermore, free parking is available for your convenience, and there are opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD) to further your career.

Please see attached JD&PS for full details of duties and responsibilities.

Clinical

Tosupportthedevelopmentofaspecialistsportsservicewithintheforensic inpatient service.

To contribute to the provision of sports and health and fitness related activities in responsetopatientneed,inconjunctionwiththeMulti-DisciplinaryTeam(MDT)and within the Occupational Therapy (OT) Service.

Communication

Tocommunicatewithserviceusersinatactfulmanner,usingdiplomacyandnegotiation skills where necessary.

Toengageandmotivateserviceuserswheretherearevolitionaldifficulties,thatimpact on engagement in sessions.

Professional and practice development

Toparticipateinregularsupervisionaccordingtodevelopmentalneed.

Toreviewandreflectonyourown practiceandperformancethrougheffectiveuseof professional and operational supervision.

Clinical Governance& Quality Standards

Toassistinthedevelopmentandimplementationofreflection,action,review.

Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.