JOB TITLE: Physical Activity Referral Specialist (PARS)

DEPARTMENT: Sports Development and Physical Activity

REPORTS: Physical Activity Manager

SALARY: Competitive salary. Full and part time roles available. Interested candidates should submit a CV along with their desired/available hours.

Location: Hybrid/flexible role with dedicated office days, days offsite visiting patients and work from home days.

Start Date: Immediate

MAIN ROLE FOCUS:

We are looking for a Physical Activity Referral Specialist Level 3 (PARS) to be part of our Physical Activity Referral Service in Buckinghamshire. Working with GP practices across Aylesbury, Chesham and Wycombe - the project aims to support adults over the age of 50 with a long term health condition to access physical activity opportunities. The successful candidate will conduct initial assessments, plan, prescribe, implement and monitor a suitable exercise programme for individuals referred through the pathway.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

“Creating opportunities to become more active”

OUR VALUES:

People: Building strong and progressive partnerships

Change: Redefining the approach and methods of the activity industry

Creativity: Thinking and delivering differently to maximise our impact

Growth: Expanding into new communities and helping individuals reach their potential

Key Responsibilities

• Support adults aged 50 years plus with a long term condition who are currently inactive to move more and increase their current activity levels through a supported pathway, utilising community assets, which leads to long-term sustained changes in behaviour.
• Provide person-centred coordinated support, based on the COM-B model of behaviour change which will work alongside communities, social networks and the voluntary sector to support people to live well.
• Undertake a full triage process, assessing the needs and preferences of residents and provide appropriate physical activity advice, behavioural support and signposting to an appropriate physical activity offer as required.
• Provide a progressive menu-based approach, including home activity support, digital options, community activity and specialist exercise interventions to maintain activity, offering alternative solutions to barriers or opportunities where required (all resident-led), to enable a long-term sustained increase in activity level.
• Establish and maintain good relationships with participants, motivating and encouraging participants on the Physical Activity Referral Scheme to adhere to a regular physical activity programme.
• Work with the newly commissioned Joy app to access referrals and use our reporting system to provide robust reporting on outcomes.
• Feedback to the project manager when gaps in provision are identified. This may be a lack of seated exercise classes in a certain geographic area, or requests from residents for a certain type of activity that is not currently provided for locally.

The purpose of this job description is to focus attention on the most important responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be a complete list of the duties. Therefore it is to be expected that the day-to-day performance of the job will include tasks not listed above.

GENERAL DUTIES:

In addition, all staff have the following general duties laid out in their job descriptions:

• Contribute to the positive and professional image of AITC.
• To observe and uphold the requirements of the Company’s Constitution and act at all times in accordance with policies including equality of opportunity.

Person Specification

Essential

• Physical Activity Specialists must be as a minimum:
• Experienced Level 3 Exercise on Referral qualified (minimum 1 year supporting adults with long term conditions through Exercise on Referral)
• Willing to undertake further professional development (CPD) where beneficial to the pathway for example where a gap in knowledge is identified around supporting older adults, PARS will complete training to expand the skills within the services.
• Aware and able to provide culturally sensitive physical activity advice.
• Driving and ownership of your own vehicle is essential.
• An understanding on the importance of physical activity to people's health.
• Ability to work as part of a team and self-motivated to work individually.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
• Highly organised with ability to prioritise a heavy workload, manage tasks simultaneously and perform effectively under pressure.

Desirable

• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Health Coaching qualification

HOURS AND BENEFITS:

• Flexible hours (full time and part time roles available)
• Some evening and weekend work will be included
• Initial six month contract with potential to extend (3 year programme)
• Aviva pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata based on hours)
• Mileage allowance
• Training budget supplied

To apply for this job, please submit both a CV, a covering letter and your desired hours (full time or part time) to apply@activeinthecommunity.org.uk

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Adam Howard on adam.howard@aitc.org.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: £23,000.00-£27,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 4 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Please clearly state in your application if you currently have a Level 3 Exercise on Referral qualification and if you have had this qualification for more than 1 year.

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Aylesbury HP22 5PD

Application deadline: 04/04/2025
Reference ID: PARS