Fitness Specialist

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, associates, Judson-at-Home members, or community members. 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 (rehab services).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. This position requires days. Scheduled work time is allocated in the following manner:
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.
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 and assisting residents with self-initiated programs.
4. Implement/initiate/teach 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. All programs will be designed to address functional independence. The programs may include, depending upon the individual’s expertise, land and water classes (Arthritis H2O, Free Weights, Weight Machines, Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Balance Ball).
5. Certification and/or experience in teaching Aquatic Exercise, a plus.
6. Fitness Specialists are expected to cover for coworkers as necessary, and are responsible for securing subs within the team when taking time off.
7. Provide initial set-up and on-going routine assessment for individuals just beginning their physician-approved strength training program.
8. Maintain individual attendance and program forms, progress documentation, records and reports on a daily, monthly or quarterly basis as required by the Department.
9. Assist Director of Wellness with some office duties, such as editing wellness brochure and schedules, communicating with Activities staff on changes in Wellness schedules, ordering supplies for the department at the request of the Wellness Director. Communicate with Director of Wellness regarding any maintenance/equipment needs, and any other occurrences that warrant Director’s attention.
10. Create monthly Wellness Blog titled Fun, Food & Fitness for Associates and Residents. Maintain Wellness Bulletin boards. Create and post flyers for Wellness programs.
11. Maintain a safe and sanitary environment in the Strength Training Room.
12. Plan and implement ways 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.
13. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with Health Maintenance, Skilled Therapies, Resident Care Managers at the Manor/Park in the Bruening Health Care Center, Coordinators of the Assisted Living Areas at the Manor(Terrace II); at the Park (Gardenview/ Hillside/Reinberger); at SFC (Crane House)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.