Exercise Instructor

Job summary

Due to internal progression, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified Exercise Instructor to join the MSK Physiotherapy Team within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate professional to support our MSk Physiotherapy & Hand Therapy Services at Yeovil District Hospital, by delivering structured physical activity programs tailored to individual patients. This role involves working with patients who may experience multiple co-morbidities, pain, and psychosocial barriers to physical activity.

The ideal candidate will be empathetic, proactive, and skilled in working with diverse patient groups to promote sustainable physical activity and health behaviour change. Experience in musculoskeletal or physiotherapy support settings is highly desirable.

You will be integrating into a network of highly skilled practitioners, working collaboratively with our therapy teams, including physiotherapists, occupational therapist and osteopaths, who will be able to offer mentoring and supervision. You will work closely with our dedicated Hand Therapy Team, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

We are a forward thinking, dynamic service and pride ourselves on delivering high quality care for patients. To ensure this, we support our staff with a robust clinical support and training programme. We would welcome applications from people who are passionate about improving the quality of patient care, experiences and outcomes.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver and support structured physical activity programs for patients with musculoskeletal and general health concerns.
• Collaborate with patients to plan interventions and promote health-related behaviour changes within the scope of practice.
• Assess and address barriers to physical activity, such as access issues, and resource limitations.
• Facilitate or support group exercise programs, including ESCAPE-pain, for patients with clear musculoskeletal diagnoses.
• Develop partnerships with community agencies, health coaches, and village agents to enhance community-based exercise options tailored to patients' socioeconomic and cultural contexts.
• Provide training and guidance to exercise professionals and colleagues on maintaining physical activity levels.
• Work closely with the MSK Therapy team to monitor patient progress, identifying and escalating cases where patients are not responding as expected to ensure timely access to qualified care.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.