Job Description
The Post in Context
We believe that our Purpose “Inspiring Active Lifestyles” and Vision; “To be at the heart of the improvement in health and wellbeing within the community” are our USPs.
Delivering to the principles of Community and Health Improvement, this post will have a priority to provide support to those with health conditions (physical, mental and emotional), to engage with positive health and wellbeing activities, for identified health improvement.
The post holder will provide advice, information, guidance, and support opportunities for people to appropriately participate in activity, make positive health and wellbeing decisions and lead to more active and healthier communities.
The position of Health Improvement Practitioner will be tasked to build on and deliver the three primary areas of focus, namely.
- Increase Participation. Facilitating access to appropriate activity, through a single point of access, to include virtual engagement and development of digital resources.
- Delivery of Physical Activity. Delivery of small group and/or 1:1 engagement, as an introduction to activity.
- Development and Retention. Upskilling Centre based staff, through guided instruction, to support participants into physical activity. Primarily through the introduction of Physical Activity Prescriptions, knowledge sharing and supporting delivery, to enable greater opportunities for participation for those in need of guided support.
Defining success is an essential part of the role and as such there will be a responsibility to ensure that data is accurately recorded and submitted for reporting purposes, in line with clearly defined targets.
Person Specification
Profile (Essential)
- Excellent communication skills and confidence to work unsupervised.
- Good IT knowledge and excellent organisational skill.
- Highly motivated and with the ability to motivate and enthuse others.
- A flexible approach to working hours.
- A commitment to providing equal opportunities.
- Current valid driving license and use of vehicle.
Qualifications (Essential)
- Level 3 Exercise Referral
- Health Condition Based Certification Level 3 or above (e.g. OTAGO, Chair Based, Postural Stability Instruction, Cardiac Rehab, Cancer Rehab or similar)
Qualifications (Desirable)
- Professional or industry standard relevant qualifications.
- First Aid and Safeguarding Certification.
- Level 4 Specialist Exercise Qualifications.
Experience (Essential)
- Proven working experience in sports/leisure/fitness environment with an emphasis on health and physical activity.
- Proven experience of working with specialised populations.
Experience (Desirable)
- Experience of working with families and young people under the age of 16 years.
Specialist Knowledge (Essential)
- Good proven knowledge and understanding of physical activity and health improvement structures and initiatives.
- Thorough working knowledge of the health benefits of physical activity, in relation to primary and secondary prevention of medical conditions, to include weight management principles, exercise and implications.
- Knowledge of Exercise Referral schemes.
- General knowledge of the determinants of health and health improvement principles.
- Ability to play/coach multiple sports and activities to a good level.
Specialist Knowledge (Desirable)
- An understanding of the barriers to regular participation in sport and physical activity.
- Experience of digital engagement for the provision of activity and/or remote support for guidance into physical activity.
