Job summary
We are recruiting a Permanent Physical Activity Specialist to work 22.5 hours per week. You will work within the Tier 3 Specialist Weight Management Multi-Disciplinary Team to provide specialist physical activity and behaviour change support to patients living with obesity, helping them to access a programme of specialised, non-surgical treatment and support.
The role involves supporting individuals on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, to develop sustainable lifestyle changes in order to achieve and maintain weight loss, reduce co-morbidities and increase quality of life by addressing all factors associated with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including psychosocial functioning . This includes using specific approaches and skills to support behaviour change along with signposting and supporting access to appropriate services.
The role involves working within a range of clinical and community venues across Torbay and South Devon.
Main duties of the job
- To provide group and tailored physical activity support to individuals attending Tier 3 Specialist Weight Management programmes in a variety of community venues across both Torbay and South Devon.
- To assess participants level of fitness and physical performance prior to, during and at the end of their engagement with the Tier 3 service.
- To develop and deliver a range of physical activity education sessions within the Tier 3 group programme.
- To regularly feedback and discuss the progress of individual patients with the wider Level 3 multi-disciplinary team.
About us
The Specialist Weight Management Service is commissioned to provide a Tier 3 weight management programme to eligible residents within the geographical boundaries of Torbay and South Devon. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust serves a 250,000 population with a large District General Hospital at its heart.
The Physical activity specialists work with the multi-disciplinary team to provide specialist, multi-component interventions and support to patients living with obesity, helping them to access a range of non-surgical treatment options.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To regularly update and upload a range of resources onto virtual service user platforms and to assist in the regular update of both intranet and internet service webpages
- To support the regular collection of patient feedback and service reviewsTo ensure the timely and complete reporting of patient data following all clinical contacts to ensure accurate and complete data sets are available for audit and research purposes
- Undertake fitness and physical performance assessments of overweight and obese patients who have already been medically screened to exclude underlying pathologies, assessing readiness to engage in physical activity and assessing functional fitness capacity
- Identify and address barriers to physical activity. This may include motivational, accessibility, financial issues or concerns about safety to exercise in the context of their health problem
- Regular co-delivery of interactive group education sessions both face-to-face and virtuallyRegular attendance at multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings to assess the progress and direction of each referral through the service pathway and to assess the effectiveness of interventions (e.g. weight loss after multi-component programme)
Full vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To regularly update and upload a range of resources onto virtual service user platforms and to assist in the regular update of both intranet and internet service webpages
- To support the regular collection of patient feedback and service reviewsTo ensure the timely and complete reporting of patient data following all clinical contacts to ensure accurate and complete data sets are available for audit and research purposes
- Undertake fitness and physical performance assessments of overweight and obese patients who have already been medically screened to exclude underlying pathologies, assessing readiness to engage in physical activity and assessing functional fitness capacity
- Identify and address barriers to physical activity. This may include motivational, accessibility, financial issues or concerns about safety to exercise in the context of their health problem
- Regular co-delivery of interactive group education sessions both face-to-face and virtuallyRegular attendance at multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings to assess the progress and direction of each referral through the service pathway and to assess the effectiveness of interventions (e.g. weight loss after multi-component programme)
Full vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential
- Educated to honours degree level in Exercise Sports Science or equivalent professional experience
- Level 4 specialist instructor qualification e.g. Obesity/Diabetes/Cardiac Rehab
Desirable
- CBT/motivational interviewing/health coaching training
- An awareness of the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- GP exercise on referral qualification
Knowledge, experience and skills
Essential
- Substantial experience of working with clients in an exercise or leisure industry
- Experience of working with people with physical and/or mental health problems including low motivation, anxiety and low self esteem
- Experience in consultation, goal setting and supporting behaviour change
- Experience of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email
- Experience of delivering presentations to groups
- Proven experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
Desirable
- Knowledge of physical activity assessment tools (e.g. IPAQ)
- Knowledge of fitness testing protocols
- Experience of working with virtual platforms including MS Teams and Attend Anywhere
- Ability to communicate diplomatically with other health professionals
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential
- Educated to honours degree level in Exercise Sports Science or equivalent professional experience
- Level 4 specialist instructor qualification e.g. Obesity/Diabetes/Cardiac Rehab
Desirable
- CBT/motivational interviewing/health coaching training
- An awareness of the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- GP exercise on referral qualification
Knowledge, experience and skills
Essential
- Substantial experience of working with clients in an exercise or leisure industry
- Experience of working with people with physical and/or mental health problems including low motivation, anxiety and low self esteem
- Experience in consultation, goal setting and supporting behaviour change
- Experience of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email
- Experience of delivering presentations to groups
- Proven experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
Desirable
- Knowledge of physical activity assessment tools (e.g. IPAQ)
- Knowledge of fitness testing protocols
- Experience of working with virtual platforms including MS Teams and Attend Anywhere
- Ability to communicate diplomatically with other health professionals
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
