Fitness Instructor, SMART Program - Full-time

VON Canada; Central Ontario; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in community care is seeking a dedicated Fitness Instructor to join their team. This role involves delivering client-centered fitness programs, focusing on the health and well-being of older adults. You will develop and modify exercises to meet individual needs, ensuring safety and effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a commitment to promoting health, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Join this innovative organization and make a meaningful impact in the lives of clients through fitness and wellness initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching group fitness classes for older adults.
• First Aid and CPR certification required.
• Certification as a Seniors Fitness Instructor preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers safe and effective exercises for clients.
• Promotes client independence through fitness and health.
• Collaborates with clients and other professionals.

Skills

Good communication skills

Dependability

Active listening

Ability to work independently

Ability to remain calm

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

First Aid and CPR certification

Seniors Fitness Instructor certification

Post-secondary education in healthcare-related field

Tools

Resistance bands

Exercise balls

Weights

Job description

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE)

Program Name: SMART Program

Number of Hours Bi-Weekly: 75

Work Schedule: Days

On-Call: No

Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.

Job Summary:

The Fitness Instructor is responsible for providing client-centred, evidence-based, efficient care to individuals in their homes and community. The Fitness Instructor delivers exercises to clients under the direction of the Program Supervisor and/or designate associated with the program and in line with certification standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sets up physical class environment (chairs, equipment, etc.).
2. Develops, modifies, and delivers low-impact, safe, and effective group or in-home exercises that prevent injury, reduce risk of falls, and provide therapeutic benefits for older adults. Incorporates specific attention to underlying medical issues and associated risks for high-risk and/or frail older adults.
3. Identifies and effectively utilizes tools and resources for relevant work (e.g., resistance bands, exercise balls, weights, music, and other program enhancers).
4. Utilizes effective communication skills to obtain information from clients, as applicable (e.g., when completing required paperwork with new participants).
5. Promotes client independence through fitness and health promotion.
6. Works toward fulfillment of client goals.
7. Participates in ongoing review of service delivery process and evaluation.
8. Attends educational in-services deemed appropriate by the Program Supervisor.
9. Provides fall prevention education as directed by the Program Supervisor and/or designate.
10. Ensures all incidents are reported in a timely manner in accordance with legislation and VON policies and procedures.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Common Responsibilities:

1. Promotes the goals and values of VON and their role as an integrated community care provider.
2. Promotes a safe and healthy workplace ensuring conduct and activities are in accordance with the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and compliant with the VON Safety Management System, including all policies, safe work practices, and procedures.
3. Abides by all VON policies and work practices.
4. Maintains confidentiality and protection of personal information policies, regulations, and practices, ensuring appropriate safeguards within their role.
5. Works collaboratively with other staff in a team approach to service delivery.

External and Internal Relationships:

1. Collaborates and engages with clients, Program Coordinators, Program Supervisors, Kinesiologists, other Fitness Instructors, and Program Assistants to ensure client and program needs are addressed appropriately and to support client independence.
2. Communicates with community partners regarding client care and program delivery.

Education, Designations, and Experience:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. First Aid and CPR certification are required.
3. Certification and/or certificate of completion as a Seniors Fitness Instructor and/or equivalent is required at the time of hire or within 3 months of hire. Certifications are not required at the application stage; VON Canada may offer training opportunities.
4. Experience promoting health and well-being through physical activity.
5. Post-secondary education in a healthcare-related field (e.g., Fitness and Health Promotion, Recreation and Leisure, Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant, Kinesiology, Gerontology) is an asset.
6. Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching group fitness classes for older adults, including classes for chronic conditions (e.g., Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Diabetes, Osteoarthritis), is an asset.
7. Experience working in a retirement home or assisted living environment is an asset.

Skill Requirements:

1. Respect for privacy and confidentiality.
2. Dependability and trustworthiness.
3. Good communication and active listening skills.
4. Ability to remain calm in unexpected situations.
5. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Other Requirements:

1. Must have access to a personal vehicle for work purposes, with a valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.
2. Satisfactory criminal records check including vulnerable sector screening is required.
3. Proficiency in French is an asset in French-designated areas.
4. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.

Working conditions and physical demands include physical activity such as lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements emphasizing good body mechanics. The role involves walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and fine hand movements throughout the day.

Internal applicants should be aware that unionized positions may remain open beyond the deadline if there are insufficient applicants. The posting may close at the discretion of VON or after a rolling deadline as per the collective agreement.

Other terms often associated with this role include Kinesiologist, Physiotherapy Assistant, Exercise Therapist, PTA.