Fitness Instructor

SUMMARY

The Fitness Instructor is responsible for organizing and facilitating year round general fitness for clients. The Fitness Instructor arranges for appropriate fitness classes that are reflective of a variety of skill and intensity level for clients as approved by the Medical Director and the Fitness Director.

 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Design and facilitate all activities in the fitness program to include both high and low impact activities.
2. Work with the fitness staff and Fitness Director to develop new activities and programs that are therapeutic for people with differing abilities to include, but not limited to, weekend programs, group activities, and other activities.
3. Interact daily with direct care staff and other team members to ensure therapeutic needs of the client are met through therapeutic recreational activities.
4. Assist with the development of treatment plan collaboratively with the client and other members of the Treatment Team to ensure that activities are safe, inclusive, and aligned with each client’s treatment plan.
5. Educate clients on the benefits of physical activity in addiction recovery, including stress reduction, improved sleep, and mood regulation.
6. Assess each client to determine whether he is a candidate for recreational therapy and whether the client has any contraindications to intentsity of activity. Monitor client participation and provide positive, motivational coaching while respecting individual limitations and trauma histories.
7. Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming fitness environment.
8. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and wellness programming development as needed.
9. Conduct and document training for staff that includes but not limited to; performance effectiveness, therapeutic goals, safety of individuals served, and supervision of clients during activity.
10. Ensures activities are designed to address the improvement of mental and emotional health, changed habits, reduced pain, lessened physical damage, and social support.
11. 
    Adhere to and remain compliant with State of Louisiana, Joint Commission and UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER’s policies and procedures.
    
12. Adhere to and further the mission of UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER by creating a supportive environment for participants and staff.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES (ADULT, 18yrs+)

1.     Allows patient to maintain control; involves patient in decision-making and planning of care, as appropriate to condition and situation.

2.     Encourages participation in care.

3.     Recognizes/respects concerns over interruption of work/plans/separation from family, etc.

4.     Recognizes fears regarding potential life style changes.

5.     Allows patient to maintain control; involves patient in decision-making and planning of care, as appropriate to condition and situation.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education, Training, and Experience Required:

1. CPR/First Aid
2. Certification as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, or yoga instructor (e.g. ACE, NASM, AFAA, or Yoga Alliance)
3. Preferred experience working with individuals in mental health, addiction recovery, or trauma-informed settings.
4. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to motivate and support clients in a non-judgemental way.
5. Ability to adapt fitness programming to meet the needs of diverse populations, including those with physical limitations and/or co-occurring disorders.

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, and systems.
2. Knowledge of office management techniques and practices.
3. Knowledge of research methods and procedures sufficient to compile data and prepare reports.
4. Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
5. Knowledge of purchasing, budgeting, and inventory control.

Skills:

1. Skill in taking and transcribing dictation and operating office equipment.
2. Skill in answering the phone and responding to questions.
3. Skill in time management, prioritization, and multitasking.
4. Skill in problem-solving.
5. Skill in writing and communicating effectively.

Abilities:

1. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
2. Ability to work under pressure, communicate and present information.
3. Ability to read, interpret, and apply clinic policies and procedures.
4. Ability to identify problems, recommend solutions, organize and analyze information.
5. Ability to multi-task, establish priorities, and coordinate work activities.
6. Ability to work as part of a team.
7. Ability to competently use Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and appropriate healthcare management software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal to high volumes of stress.