Fitness Specialist

Fitness Specialist

Full-time

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 403b with Company Match, Paid Time Off

General Purpose:

To provide direct service physical activity programs promoting functional independence and quality of life for individuals having different levels of fitness. The individuals may be Judson residents, staff or community participants. The programs will be held either on-site or at satellite locations. The programming will include individual and group services providing a variety of modalities such as group exercise classes, individual one-on-one programs, weight room monitoring, group and individual aquatic classes and special maintenance services based on a referral from any of the skilled services (Re-Hab Services).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. This position requires days, evening and some weekend work. Scheduled work time is allocated in the following manner: 75%-80% Direct Service (Park/Manor), 10% - 15% Community Outreach (On-site/Satellites), 5% - 10% Program planning, development, documentation.
2. Attend new employee orientation and departmental orientation prior to or within one month of employment to gain an understanding of the organization: the Mission, Goals, Health and Wellness Philosophy, Eden Alternative Philosophy.
3. Support the components of the Health and Wellness Philosophy by taking an active role in programs and activities that contribute to the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, vocational and intellectual development of residents and community participants. This could include assisting other Resident Life/Wellness staff with tasks and activities that lead to resident participation, assisting residents with self-initiated programs and providing computer lab assistance as requested or on a scheduled basis.
4. Implement/initiate/teach at least two of a variety of physical activity programs that offer residents, from all levels of care, and community members, the opportunity to participate in daily physical activity that meets the minimum daily requirement of 30-minutes a day established by the American College of Sports Medicine. All programs will be designed to address functional independence. The programs may include land and water classes (Arthritis H2O, P.A.C.E., Free Weights, Weight Machines, Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Balance Ball).
5. Maintain a file for each participant that includes: Wellness Center Registration Form, HIPPA Form, Physician Authorization Form(as appropriate), Wellness PT Referral Form(as appropriate), Current Equipment Progress Tracking Forms e.g. Nu-Step, Treadmill, Bike, Keiser Equipment.
6. Maintain individual attendance and program forms, progress documentation, records and reports on a daily basis as required by the Department.
7. Provide daily monitoring and supervision in the Strength Training Room (Wellness Center/Weight Room) based on a published/posted schedule. Post signs indicating, “Wellness Staff On Duty” and “No Wellness Staff On Duty, Exercise At Your Own Risk” as appropriate.
8. Provide initial set-up and on-going routine assessment for individuals just beginning their physician-approved strength training program.
9. Maintain a safe and sanitary environment in the Strength Training Room by wiping down equipment on a daily basis.
10. Develop a routine equipment check with Maintenance/Vendor to keep all equipment in running order.
11. Plan and orchestrate strategies to promote additional participation in the Strength Training Room. Encourage social interaction among users, reward their accomplishments, motivate and follow up with individuals whose attendance is erratic.
12. Implement and maintain an existing standardized physical assessment program for all new participants in the Strength Training Room and phase in an assessment for existing participants.
13. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with Health Maintenance, Skilled Therapies, Resident Care Managers at the Manor/Park in the Building Health Care Center, Coordinators of the Assisted Living Areas at the Manor(Terrace II); at the Park (Ambler Court/ Hillside/Reinberger) in order to promote new referrals to group or individual program offerings.
14. Plan and participate in the mutual setting of goals and objectives that will advance physical wellness for residents, staff and community participants.
15. Actively participate in staff meetings, in-services and workshops to maintain/increase skills as required by the organization/department.

Judson Core Values: This position requires incumbents to exhibit the skills necessary to represent and support Judson’s Core Values: Respectfulness; Empowerment; Communication; Integrity; Teamwork; and Excellence.

Minimum Qualifications, Education and Certifications:

A Bachelors or Associate Degree in exercise science or a related health services area; a High school diploma with 3-5 years working with a senior population and holding a fitness certification from a recognized organization such an American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise(ACE), Senior Fitness Association, Adult Fitness Association, etc.; CPR and First Aid. This position requires a current driver’s license and an insured vehicle for staffing programs that occur in Satellite locations.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands of the job require that the employee be physically fit and exemplify the characteristics of fitness: good coordination, balance, agility, strength and cardiovascular endurance. The position is physically active, conducting water and land exercise classes and individual exercise sessions encompassing at least 80% of the workday.

Working Conditions: The work environment may include, long exposure to pool water in a humid environment and the sharing of limited office space with co-workers.