Fitness Instructor - COA

Supervision Required: Under the general direction of the Assistant COA Director and Program Manager, the employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out assignments independently. The supervisor provides additional specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods. The employee is expected to recognize instances which are out of the ordinary and do not fall within existing instructions; the employee is then expected to seek advice and further instructions. The employee reviews and checks to ensure that work methods are applied to an extent sufficient to keep the supervisor aware of progress, and to insure that completed work and methods used are technically accurate and that all instructions are being followed.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Confidentiality: Employee has access to confidential information obtained during performance of regular position responsibilities in accordance with State Public Records Law.

Accountability: Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may include adverse public relations, monetary loss, legal repercussions, labor/material costs and jeopardize programs, personal injury and danger to public health/safety.

Judgment: Well-defined or detailed rules, instructions and procedures cover all aspects of work. Judgment involves choosing appropriate practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines to apply in each case.

Complexity: The work consists of simple, routine, or repetitive tasks and/or operations with few variations in established procedures.

Nature and Purpose of Public Contact: Relationships with co-workers and the public involve frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts or resolve operating problems. More than ordinary courtesy, tact, and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints, and deal with members of the public or uncooperative or uniformed persons.

Essential Functions: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

1. Teaches scheduled classes, beginning and ending on time; provides adequate warm-up, exercises, stretching, and cool down.

2. Instructs patrons on effective workout methods; explains proper techniques, demonstrates exercises; identifies different muscle groups, and teaches appropriate methods to strengthen specific muscles.

3. Prepares appropriate equipment, music and handouts for each class.

4. Assists patrons, answers questions and maintains a positive exercise experience for class participants.

5. Keeps management informed of customer and facility needs.

6. Ensures that safety standards are met, and that department and facility policies are adhered to.

7. Performs related duties as required.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: High school degree with 1-3 years of related experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Special Requirements: Must possess current Red Cross CPR certification, Certification as a Fitness Instructor (ACE, AFAA) or equivalent, additional specialty/certifications preferred, pass CORI/SORI and background checks.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Working knowledge of human anatomy, kinesiology, training principles, group fitness teaching strategies, incorporation of music, tempo, cueing technique and rhythm as well as common policies, practices, laws, regulations and procedures of the Senior Center and procedures pertinent to the position functions and the Senior Center operations.

Abilities: Ability to be professional and motivate class participants, cooperate, work well with and interact effectively; meet and deal with the public and co-workers appropriately and successfully; handle problems and emergencies effectively; communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; maintain confidential information. Ability to relate to older adults in a comfortable fashion with genuine interest, compassion and concern for their needs and feelings.

Skill: Fitness, choreography or music skills; basic organizational skills; proficient oral communication and effective customer service skills.

Work Environment: The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work with various types of fitness equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud when in the facility and while performing the job duties.

Occupational Risk: Duties generally present low or occasional exposure to risk or stress. Injury could occur, however, through employee failure to properly follow safety precautions or procedures.

Physical and Mental Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, stretch, sit and talk and hear. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with legs, hands and arms. The employee is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally must aide or assist participants. The employee must have a high degree of energy, be physically fit, and have the endurance to complete the workout.

Motor Skills: Duties involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity, fine and gross motor coordination.

Visual Demands: Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus and to make adjustments for safe physical activity/exercise as needed for patron