Physiotherapist or Exercise for Health Specialist/Exercise Professional

Overview

Physiotherapist or Exercise for Health Specialist/Exercise Professional (Location: Croi House, Newcastle, Galway)

Job Type: Full Time

The Role

Exercise and physical activity are central to Croí’s mission to prevent heart disease and stroke. From programme delivery to public campaigns, they are at the heart of our work. As Croí expands its cardiac and stroke recovery programmes, we are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic full‑time Physiotherapist or Exercise for Health Specialist/Exercise Professional to join our multi‑disciplinary Health Team.

The successful candidate will lead the delivery, development and evaluation of Croí’s exercise services and resources, focusing on integrating movement into the daily lives of our community.

This is a dynamic role for someone passionate about patient advocacy and prevention.

Responsibilities

- Designing and delivering exercise classes
- Supporting heart disease and stroke risk factor screening
- Contributing to public awareness campaigns and research
- Engaging with local and national service discussions
- Providing clinical input and leadership

A holistic understanding of exercise in both health and disease is essential. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of how physical activity prevents heart disease and stroke, and how it supports rehabilitation in both primary and secondary prevention. Confidence in tailoring programmes to individual needs while promoting long‑term wellbeing is vital.

We are looking for a motivated, collaborative professional with initiative, strong communication skills, and a commitment to improving cardiovascular health.

The role is based in Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Newcastle, Galway, but flexible working arrangements, based around programme delivery may be available dependent on business need.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

- Lead and develop Croí’s physical activity and exercise services, addressing the needs of people living with heart disease or stroke, their families and carers.
- Deliver assessment and management for participants in Croí exercise programmes (in‑person and online), including classes and specialist programmes such as Rebuild and Healthy Hearts Club.
- Identify and implement service improvements aligned with Croí’s prevention mission.
- Manage programme data and documentation to support evaluation, performance review, and adherence to current guidelines.
- Coordinate and deliver public health promotion sessions and exercise classes.
- Oversee and maintain exercise resources.
- Embed behaviour change strategies, including graded mastery and self‑monitoring, into service delivery.
- Contribute to team education, training, and knowledge sharing.
- Build and maintain relationships with acute and community healthcare partners.
- Engage with local and national bodies on service development and health priorities, including the Cardiac Rehabilitation Model of Care.
- Commit to ongoing professional development with mentoring and support from Croí.

Skills and Competencies

The post holder will be required to:

- Demonstrate strong knowledge of heart disease and stroke prevention and management.
- Conduct comprehensive fitness assessments, including heart rate calculations and exercise tolerance.
- Adapt exercise prescriptions to individual needs.
- Apply evidence‑based reasoning and problem‑solving.
- Communicate clearly with participants and colleagues.
- Work independently and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Lead and coordinate exercise and activity services.
- Show initiative, motivation, confidence, and flexibility.
- Utilise IT tools (Email, Word, PowerPoint, databases) effectively.
- Produce clear written materials, reports, and presentations.
- Deliver engaging public talks and education sessions.
- Organise and manage time, projects, and problem‑solving efficiently.
- Commit to quality improvement through audit and research.

Essential Requirements

The post holder must be suitably qualified as follows:

- Physiotherapist: CORU registration.
- Exercise for Health Specialist/Exercise Professional: REPs Ireland certification in Long Term Conditions Exercise Instructor category or equivalent.
- Be at least 5 years post registration/certification with at least 3 years’ relevant experience.
- Demonstrated experience designing and delivering safe, effective exercise programs for people with long‑term conditions (e.g., cardiovascular, stroke, chronic diseases).
- Have the professional, managerial and administrative capacity to fulfil the functions of the role.
- Have experience of service evaluation or clinical audit.

Remuneration and Benefits

An attractive and competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience is available for the right candidate. This is a Full‑Time position being offered initially as a fixed term contract of one year with potential for extension.

Non‑Pay benefits include:

- Supportive and positive Team environment, with full induction provided
- Ongoing Learning, Training and Professional development opportunities
- Attractive annual leave entitlement plus 2 concession days on Good Friday & Christmas Eve
- Automatic enrolment in the new Government initiative pension savings
- Gold Certified Cycle Friendly employer (EU Initiative)
- Supports for sustainable commuting including Bike to Work Scheme, onsite showers, changing facilities and lockers
- Free onsite parking and EV charging points
- Employee Assistance Programme

To apply, please send your CV with a cover letter to: careers@croi.ie by Wednesday 24 September.

A desktop shortlisting process may be carried out prior to interview stage. Attendance at interview will be at the candidate’s own expense.

This job profile will be subject to review in accordance with service developments and is neither restrictive nor definitive, but rather a guide to the general range of duties required

Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists,

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