Salary $18.00 - $20.00/hour
Schedule Day and Evening, Weekdays and Weekends as needed
Position Summary
This position supports the mission and work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. Under the supervision of the Health and Wellness Director, the Personal Trainer will assist in ensuring that the members of the YMCA of Central New York receive the appropriate guidance in their pursuit to achieve their health and wellness goals. The Personal Trainer ensures the well‑being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training.
Responsibilities
- Maintain all YMCA character values and regulations in and out of the Wellness Center.
- Design safe and effective training programs based on member goals, following standards and guidelines set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine.
- Obtain approval of all personal training clients with the Department Director before meeting with clients. Once approved, meet with clients for the initial interview.
- Continually strive to obtain the most recent Health and Wellness industry information and/or studies.
- Maintain a written attendance record for all training sessions with each client.
- Demonstrate ability to relate to and work with people of diverse backgrounds and work cooperatively with all staff.
- Maintain an appointment schedule and communicate any changes in that schedule with the client and Department Director.
Maintain a Safe Environment
- Review all policies outlined in the procedure manual regarding emergency procedures relating to injury or illness of a member.
- Know and enforce all Health & Wellness program policies, procedures and rules in a consistent, fair and firm manner.
- Supervise all Health & Wellness Center activities while on duty.
- Ensure a safe, effective and motivating exercise plan for clients; respond to incidents, accidents and emergencies appropriately, calmly and professionally.
- Protect the organization and the members from harm or suit.
- Circulate the Health & Wellness Center every 15 minutes while on duty if not otherwise engaged with a member.
- Never perform personal functions while on duty (e.g., phone calls, texting, writing, reading, exercising, talking to friends or other employees). Remember you are here to train your client.
- Report emergency maintenance needs immediately to the maintenance department.
- Record and report any faulty equipment and/or lapse in maintenance. Process work request form and forward it to Maintenance department and Department Director.
- Follow Health & Wellness rules on and off duty.
- Frequently familiarize yourself with the Personal Training Instructor Manual.
- Administer proper CPR/AED in accordance with training and facility procedures.
Maintain a Pleasant And Professional Health & Wellness Environment
- Contribute to the success of the Health and Wellness program; be on time for all appointments, and be prepared to conduct a safe and enjoyable program with your client.
- Conform to all dress codes as provided by the Department Director.
- Work with fellow staff members and treat them with respect, always speaking about them in a positive manner and supporting one another.
- Ensure that the needs of all members are met through constant attention to detail.
- Be flexible and adaptable to accommodate members’ needs and wants.
- Answer members’ questions, concerns, and complaints in a timely and courteous manner.
- Communicate and educate in a knowledgeable and professional manner.
- Respond to changes and requests within the Health & Wellness Department with flexibility, ensuring efficient operation.
- Demonstrate teamwork and organization by communicating problems or constructive criticism to the Department Director at the end of your class.
- Assist with inside and outside promotions related to the Health & Wellness program.
- Support and assist newly hired personal trainer instructors.
- Attend all mandatory in‑house trainings and meetings.
- Maintain basic knowledge of other program offerings to help serve members’ needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Experience in a health and wellness related field preferred.
Relationship Building Skills
- Make members feel comfortable and at ease.
- Be open, friendly, and approachable to members.
- Learn members’ names and welcome them personally.
- Initiate interaction with and between members, recognizing when members are not using the facility and contacting them.
- Ask members if there is any way we can help; listen to members’ suggestions, be empathic and show interest in their concerns.
- Ask about their goals, progress and satisfaction.
- Introduce members to other members and staff.
- Be passionate about impacting and transforming the health and well‑being of members and our community.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old to work in the Wellness Department.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in an outgoing, friendly, assertive, professional, and mature manner.
- Demonstrate a sincere desire to improve the health and wellness of the YMCA of Greater Syracuse program, staff, and participants.
- Ability to lead and motivate others.
- Effectively communicate information on YMCA of Greater Syracuse program components to members.
- Demonstrates excellent planning and organizational skills; ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Effective interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills; ability to build and maintain positive relationships with Members, Directors, Staff, and Vendors.
- Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, and dispensing or endorsing any and all commercial health products.
- Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Willing to work flexible hours, including some weekends and holidays.
Trainings & Certifications
- Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens, Employee Safety and Youth Protection Series trainings prior to initial assignment to position.
- Must hold and maintain current CPR, AED, and O2 First Aid certifications or successfully complete them no later than 30 days after employment begins.
- Must complete online Hazard Communication training within the first 90 days of employment.
- Must attend and complete Activate America and Quality Service Training within the first 90 days of employment.
- Must complete the following online Health & Wellness trainings within the first 90 days of employment:
- Orientation to Healthy Living at the Y
- Foundations of Listen First
- Principles of Member Health & Wellness
- Wellness Center At The Y
- Must attend and complete YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles within the first 6 months of employment.
- Must hold and maintain an active certification while instructing Personal Training at the YMCA; this certification can be a National certification (MSCA, ACSM, ACE, NASM, NETA, or ISSA) in personal training instruction, or YMCA Foundations of Strength and Conditioning Instruction.
Core Competencies
- Supports the Mission, Vision and Direction of the YMCA: Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA; displays the YMCA values; displays flexibility and accepts changes; is willing to try new methods and make suggestions; shows a strong commitment to the YMCA and conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and his/her work.
- Builds Community: Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship‑building techniques; supports the role of fund‑raising in achieving the YMCA mission.
- Provides a Quality Experience for Members, Participants, Internal Customer and Other: Possesses the ability to deliver outstanding experiences for members, participants, internal customers and others; builds warm and supportive relationships; consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; strives to provide service that will exceed expectations; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution; looks for better ways to serve in involve members, participants, internal customers and others.
- Works Productively: Demonstrates responsible actions; consistently performs duties in a safe and conscientious manner within the agreed upon timeframe; follows standards, policies and procedures; is reliable and consistently punctual; actively participates in staff meetings, required trainings and other work related activities; uses good judgment; uses YMCA resources appropriately and efficiently.
- Uses Effective Personal Behaviors/Communicates Effectively: Treats everyone with courtesy, respect and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner; embraces differences among people; demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.
Effect On End Results
Successful implementation of the program will result in quality Health and Wellness programs that meet or exceed the needs of our members and the community at large.
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. In accordance with applicable law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions.
Work Environment
Work is normally performed in a typical YMCA facility environment. At times, the employee may be exposed to situations where injuries may occur. Frequently exposed to loud noise and background music. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions in conducting certain Health & Wellness programs. Frequently exposed to OSHA approved cleaning solutions.