LIVESTRONG Instructor

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The  LIVESTRONG Instructor will empower cancer survivors to improve their quality of life through exercise and building positive relationships. The Instructor will effectively engage cancer survivors during the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program by being knowledgeable of cancer types, surgeries and treatments, and side effects. The Instructor will modify and progressively adjust exercises based on each individual’s specific needs, thus providing a safe and appropriate exercise program for each program participant.  

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

1. Create and ensure a safe and welcoming environment.  

2. Enforce policies, problem solve, and handle emergency situations.  

3. Assist and communicate with all populations of people regardless of race, age, and special needs.  

4. Demonstrate the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. 

5. Attend trainings when appropriate.  

6. Support YMCA special events and participate actively in fundraising campaigns.  

7. Perform all tasks to the best of your ability with a positive attitude.  

8. Able to work with members to address the whole person’s well-being, including spirit, mind, and body.  

9. Perform assessments of participants.  

10. Create an individualized exercise program from assessment results and from using  Listen First skills with members. 

11. Determine starting reps, sets, weight, duration, and determine if any modifications/adaptations may be needed to the exercise or equipment.  

12. Teach and demonstrate utilization of equipment, correct exercise technique, and safety considerations, and how to fill out the exercise log sheet.  

13. Be able to make minor adjustments to exercise programs as needed in response to member adaptations/tolerance to activity per session.  

14. Understand and address the unique needs and concerns of cancer survivors,  resulting from their cancer diagnoses and treatments.  

15. Understand, empathize, and connect with and develop relationships with and among cancer survivors.  

16. Good written and verbal communication skills.  

17. Other duties as assigned by the executive leadership team.  

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):  

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective,  supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.  

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions,  and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.  

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.  

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships.  Has the functional and technical Knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.  

Certifications:

1. CPR, First Aid, AED (must obtain within 90 days of employment),  Foundations of Group Exercise or Foundations of Strength and Conditioning or equivalent, Engaging with Cancer Survivors eLearning course, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Instructor certification within 3 months of hire date.  

2. Background in health and wellness, physical education, kinesiology, exercise science or similar.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

● 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 essential functions.  

● Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper techniques.