Exercise Therapy Practitioner

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Poole; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable health care organization in Poole is seeking a full-time exercise instructor to join its Therapies team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with individuals with mental health issues, promoting their physical and mental well-being through exercise. You'll deliver a responsive exercise service, ensuring safety in gym practices, while inducting staff and service users into fitness programs. Qualifications include Level 3 Personal Trainer and Exercise Referral certifications. Ongoing professional development is supported in this welcoming and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• Completed Level 3 Personal Trainer certification required.
• Experience working with mental health patients essential.
• Ability to motivate individuals using a compassionate approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide fitness instruction and ensure safe practice.
• Induct staff to supervise patients on fitness programs.
• Respond to referrals and monitor service users' progress.

Skills

Experience with mental health problems

Motivational skills

Strong communication

Education

Level 3 Personal Trainer Certification

Level 3 Exercise Referral Training

Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course

Job description

Job Overview

An opportunity has arisen for a full‑time (37.5 hours a week) exercise instructor to join our current exercise instructor within the Therapies team at St. Ann's Hospital, our busy mental health inpatient unit.

The post holder will have experience working with people who have mental health problems, be skilled at motivating people with compassion to engage in exercise in order to support their physical and mental health. The two exercise instructors will deliver an inclusive and responsive exercise service that has the flexibility to meet the needs of the people in the hospital. The post holder will be managed by the therapies manager (an occupational therapist) and will work closely with physiotherapy, occupational therapy and ward teams at the hospital.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide fitness instruction and ensure safe practice in the gym and working environment.
• Induct staff to the gym to enable them to supervise patients with the fitness programmes devised by the exercise instructor.
• Respond to referrals for service users; induct service users to the gym, provide fitness programmes and monitor progress.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Successfully completed Level 3 Personal Trainer and Level 3 Exercise Referral training.
• Completion of a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course (required before commencing).
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (the Trust will cover the cost; a valid DBS certificate may be presented instead of a new check).
• Experience working with people with mental health problems and the ability to motivate and engage them in exercise.
• Strong communication skills and a compassionate approach to support physical and mental health.

Additional Information

Ongoing professional development is a core part of these roles, and there will be support to promote best practice in exercise provision for the people who use our service.

We believe in equal opportunities and celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we encourage all staff to be the best version of themselves.

How to Apply

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please contact [e-mail].

Closing Date

This advert closes on Wednesday 28 Jan 2026.