Fitness Trainer

National Capital Treatment & Recovery, formerly Phoenix House Mid-Atlantic; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit substance use treatment facility is seeking a Certified Personal Trainer to lead group fitness and wellness sessions for adults in recovery. This part-time role primarily operates at the Adult Men's residential program in Arlington, VA, with sessions designed to be motivational and adaptable to varying client needs. Candidates should have a CPT certification, relevant experience with recovery environments, and the ability to maintain professionalism while promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

Qualifications

• Must be a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).
• Experience with adults in recovery and mental health issues is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead group fitness sessions for individuals in recovery.
• Adjust sessions based on client needs and energy levels.
• Monitor progress and adapt programs as needed.
• Provide education on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Skills

Group fitness leadership

Flexibility in workout design

Maintaining professional boundaries

Knowledge of nutrition

Experience with diverse fitness abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

Job description

Job Overview

National Capital Treatment & Recovery, a nonprofit substance use treatment facility, is seeking a Certified Personal Trainer to lead wellness and fitness group programming for adults in recovery. This is a part‑time role working with clients at our Adult Men’s residential program in Arlington, VA as the primary location, with participants from our other programs attending sessions throughout the week as well.

Schedule

Every other weekend, Saturday & Sunday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pay

$28–$35/hour, with potential for higher compensation based on experience, degrees, and relevant certifications

Preferred

• Experience working with adults with mental health issues/substance use disorders.
• Personal recovery experience a plus as well!

What You’ll Do

• Lead group fitness sessions tailored for individuals in recovery.
• Incorporate a variety of equipment and training styles, including TRX and bodyweight‑based programming.
• Adjust and modify sessions in real‑time based on client needs, energy levels, or group dynamics.
• Create a supportive, motivational atmosphere that encourages participation and self‑efficacy.
• Collaborate with clinical and program staff to support overall client well‑being.

What We’re Looking For

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) – required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field – preferred.
• Experience working with individuals in substance use recovery, behavioral health, or similar high‑need environments.
• Confident leading group‑based workouts with diverse fitness abilities.
• Skilled in creating structure while being flexible and responsive to changing circumstances.
• Able to maintain healthy professional boundaries in a recovery setting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with adult patients of all fitness levels, with an emphasis on proper technique and functional movements.
• Demonstrate how to carry out various exercises and routines.
• Watch patients do exercises and show or tell them correct techniques to minimize injury and improve fitness.
• Give alternative exercises during workouts or classes for different levels of fitness and skill.
• Monitor patients’ progress and adapt programs as needed.
• Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations on sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment.
• Give patients information or resources about nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues and their application to substance use recovery.
• Design workouts that activate the neuroendocrine response (responsible for the “runner’s high”).
• Provide education on maintaining a healthy lifestyle which may also minimize drug cravings, serve as a positive distraction and is a beneficial way to structure the day without using drugs or alcohol.
• Administer fitness assessments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

REGULARLY REQUIRED: to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.

OCCASIONALLY REQUIRED: to stand, walk, stoop, kneel or crouch and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

The work environment is that of a substance abuse treatment milieu which may include:

• Exposure to clients infected with Hepatitis B, HIV, TB, or other Infectious Diseases.

NCTR is an equal opportunity employer.