Wellness Instructor - Senior Living / Ovation Sienna Hills

Ovation; Vermont; On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision coverage

EAP

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401(k) with employer match

HSA contributions

FSA options

Supplemental insurance

Legal insurance

Pet insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Ovation is seeking a Wellness Instructor to lead resident-centered fitness and holistic wellness programs across Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care campuses. The role adapts activities to varying abilities, promotes mobility and independence, and collaborates with the Wellness Director to foster a culture of wellness.

The position includes designing a calendar of classes (land-based and aquatic when possible), providing one-on-one guidance, and ensuring safety and HIPAA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Recreation Management, or related field preferred.
• Nationally recognized Personal Trainer Certification; CPR and First Aid certifications required.
• Minimum 2 years teaching group fitness with geriatric population or in a continuing care retirement community.
• Patience, empathy, and motivational communication for residents with cognitive impairments.
• Knowledge of wellness trends and best practices; excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and wellness software tools.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident care information.
• Compassion for and desire to work with the elderly.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive campus-wide wellness programs.
• Lead diverse calendar of land-based and aquatic group exercise classes, including yoga and water aerobics.
• Provide one-on-one instruction and orientation for residents using campus fitness facilities.
• Coordinate with nursing and therapy teams to ensure cohesive wellness plans.
• Prepare monthly wellness calendars and educate residents on healthy lifestyle choices.
• Monitor and evaluate wellness program effectiveness and report outcomes to stakeholders.

Skills

Group fitness instruction

Motivational communication

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Wellness software tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology or related field

Tools

Personal Trainer Certification (NASM/ACE/ACSM/ISSA)

Job description

Wellness Instructor

Status: Full Time

Location: Ovation Sienna Hills - 1525 E Ovation Pl, Washington, UT 84780

Job Summary

A Wellness Instructor on an Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care campus, leads engaging, resident-centered fitness and holistic wellness programs in collaboration with the Wellness Director. This position will adapt physical and cognitive activities to suit varying capability levels, boosting mobility and independence for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care residents. The Wellness Instructor collaborates with various stakeholders to create a positive and healthy environment, promoting activities, education, and resources that encourage a balanced lifestyle. This role is crucial in fostering a culture of wellness that improves productivity, reduces healthcare costs, and enhances the quality of life for all participants.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive wellness programs.
• Responsible for planning, developing, and executing a holistic, campus-wide wellness program.
• Design and lead a diverse calendar of land-based (and aquatic, if applicable) group exercise classes, including yoga, strength training, water aerobics, and walking clubs.
• Provide one-on-one instruction and orientation for residents using the campus fitness center and cardiovascular equipment.
• Lead specialized movement classes aimed at improving core stability, balance, and gait to minimize fall risks.
• Work closely with residents to promote daily physical activity, helping them maintain the strength needed for activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Design low-impact, sensory-rich, and dementia-friendly activities that focus on range of motion, rhythm, and reminiscence.
• Utilize movement and specialized therapies to help manage and redirect behaviors associated with dementia and memory loss.
• Conduct functional fitness screenings for new residents and monitor ongoing progress, documenting outcomes and attendance per department policy.
• Coordinate closely with nursing, occupational therapy, and life enrichment teams to ensure resident wellness plans are cohesive and medically appropriate.
• Prepare monthly wellness calendars, contribute to community newsletters, and educate residents on healthy lifestyle choices and behavior change strategies.
• Maintain a safe environment in fitness areas, ensuring all equipment is clean and functioning correctly, and following HIPAA and infection control guidelines.
• Create and disseminate wellness-related educational materials.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of wellness programs.
• Report on wellness program outcomes and metrics to stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of wellness throughout the organization.
• Provide individual wellness coaching or counseling.
• Maintain current knowledge of health and wellness trends.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Recreation Management, or a related health field is highly preferred.
• Nationally recognized Personal Trainer Certification (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, or ISSA). Current CPR and First Aid certifications are required.
• Minimum 2 years of teaching group fitness, with prior experience working alongside the geriatric population or within a continuing care retirement community.
• Exceptional patience, empathy, and motivational communication skills are required, particularly when working with residents with cognitive impairments.
• Knowledge of current wellness trends and best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and wellness software tools.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information.
• Compassion for and desire to work with the elderly.

At Ovation, we believe caring for others starts with caring for our own teams. Our benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind- so you can focus on making a difference every day.

Employees are Benefits-eligible at 30+ hours/week. Coverage begins the 1st of the month following hire

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Regence medical plans (PPO & HDHP), Delta Dental (with orthodontia), and VSP vision

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs & work/life balance (Canopy)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – Flexible PTO program combining vacation, sick, and holiday time
• Paid Holidays – Six recognized holidays, with premium pay for eligible hourly employees
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Available after 90 days, with discretionary employer match
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Employer contributes up to $600/year for HDHP participants
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Medical, Limited, Dependent Care, and Commuter options
• Supplemental Insurance Options – Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Life & Disability (Sun Life)
• Legal Insurance – Affordable access to legal support for common life needs
• Pet Insurance – Discounted plans through Wishbone
• Employee Discounts – Savings on travel, entertainment, electronics, fitness & more (Tickets at Work)

Ovation by Avamere is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify