Job Description

Job Title: Exercise Referral Professional

Employer:Vi-Ability

Place of Work: Torfaenleisure Trust, Cwmbran

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer, Vi-Ability

Programme Coordinator, Torfaen Leisure Trust (Key Partner)

Summary:
The post holder will be responsible for delivering an exercise referral scheme, with theobjective of contributing to a larger WCVA,ESF fundedprogramme ‘Active Inclusion’ that will improve the employment prospects, physical activity levels and health & wellbeing of economically inactive people +25 years in Torfaen. The programme is ultimately about helping disengaged individuals who are most at risk of long term unemployment & suffering from health problems to enjoy a more active lifestyle, and potentially seek employment, further learning or volunteering opportunities in the future.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Educate encourage, support and signpost service users to the most appropriate form of physical activity.
  • Review personal activity programmes, give initial consultations, fitness inductions, and performprogress reviews.
  • Carry out pre/post assessments with customers who have been referred from their doctor or other health professional.
  • Provide consultations for clients and collect data to monitor progress.
  • Deliver a range of high quality physical activity opportunities that are progressive and reflective of the needs of special populations in the local community.
  • Implement strict data and management protocols, including confidentiality issues.
  • Assist in evaluation by the collection of accurate data.
  • Signpost clients to appropriate exist routes & other forms of support.
  • Support all other scheme staff & volunteers, and ensure that they are aware of their role in the scheme.
  • Attend and contribute to monthly project management meetings.
  • Ensure effective communication is maintained with referral professionals.
  • Ensure the development, and dissemination of good practice in the delivery of exercise by researching evidence regarding exercise and certain medical conditions.
  • Provide cover for other exercise referral professionals, and programme workers where necessary.
  • Oversee the day to day administration tasks of the scheme, including:

1. Telephone communications;

2. Distribution of appropriate mail;

3. Booking appointments;

4. Monitoring scheme attendances and client programmes.

5. Ensuring client follow-up procedures are implemented

  • Undertake training, and any other tasks as deemed necessary & appropriate.

Person Specification:

Essential

/

Desirable

Education & Training /
  • Level 3 advance gym instructor
  • Recognised level 3 GP Referral Qualification
  • Recognised level 4 qualification or working towards one
  • Level 2 group work qualification (e.g. circuits/exercise to music)
/
  • Health and Fitness related Degree
  • Walking Way to Health leaders training
  • Defibrillator training

Member of the Register of Exercise professionals at either L3 or L4
First Aid and CPR qualified
Experience /
  • At least two years experience within a Health and Fitness environment including the initiation and delivery of Health and Fitness services to the public and special populations.
  • If applicant is to work with level 4 conditions at least 2 years experience in an exercise referral scheme
/ Experience of working on a GP Exercise Referral Scheme or a Chronic condition rehabilitation scheme
Experience in providing fitness instruction and designing programmes for clients
Coordination, development and planning of leisure activities within a wide range of environments including community/educational settings
Skills and Abilities / Confidence and competence in delivering exercise programmes/classes for special populations. / The ability to communicate in the medium of Welsh
To be committed to customer care and to providing an efficient and effective quality service.
Possess good interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills with ability to talk to customers face to face, on the telephone and in writing. Awareness of data protection protocols
IT literate-competent with Microsoft office, internet, and data monitoring systems excel /access etc.
Work under pressure and have good organisational skills to manage workload effectively and ensure accurate data collection.
Possess ability to make decisions and diffuse difficult situations.
Be able to work with own initiative and work in a team environment by developing effective and constructive working relationships to colleagues
Personal Attributes / Proven ability to work as part of a team.
Able to travel independently
Commitment to undertake further training to meet needs of special populations
Commitment to equal opportunities.
Special Circumstances / Able to work weekends and evenings

Abbreviated Terms & Conditions:

Salary £18,000 per annum.

Location South East Wales (Torfaen)

Working HoursFull time

Annual Leave25 days per year.

Plus UK public holidays

Contract PeriodThe post is offered on an initial 12 Month contract

Probation The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

To Apply:

Please send us the following:

  1. A supporting statement of no more than two A4 pages with a summary of why you are applying, your skills and experience and how these are relevant to the role, how you meet each element of the person specification requirements and what in particular you would bring to this project, Vi-Ability and it’s partners (i.e. Torfaen Leisure trust & the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action).
  2. A copy of your current CV.
  3. The names, positions and contact details of at least two referees, including your current or most recent employer. No contact will be made with any referee in advance of an offer being made, without your prior approval.

Email your application to with the job title in the subject heading.

Closing Date: Noon on Friday 19th August, 2016.