Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Health and Fitness Specialist is charged with assisting the Fitness Manager in the creation and implementation of fitness related activities for both our Assisted Living (which includes both traditional and memory support) and Independent Living populations at NBOC. The Health and Fitness Specialist educates the NewBridge community in various health-related topics, evaluates and tracks residents’ fitness progress. The Health and Fitness Specialist acts as a motivational force to support residents in developing a healthy, active and well-balanced lifestyle. The Health and Fitness Specialist is responsible for upholding and delivering the highest Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL) and fitness industry program standards with regards to safety, professionalism and quality of care for residents.
Core Competencies:
- Knowledge of exercise equipment, teaching group exercise classes and safety practices
- Exhibits a professional and enthusiastic demeanor when assisting residents, their family and guests
- Demonstrates an ability to effectively communicate with all residents
- Commit to having a “can-do” service mentality
- Commit to providing the highest quality of preparation and presentation
- Accept responsibility for all tasks assigned
- Able to accomplish all responsibilities with little supervision
- Follow all work and safety rules
Position Responsibilities:
- Administers individualized fitness assessments to residents including a review of health history, goals and administering the SPPB (Short Physical Performance Battery) and 1- Repetition Maximum test to determine appropriate fitness programs for residents
- Implements comprehensive fitness programs for NewBridge residents based upon resident’s health, fitness assessment and fitness goals
- Develops and directs comprehensive fitness programs that maximize participation and healthy functional independence of residents
- Oversees and supervises resident’s progress in all areas related to a resident’s fitness plan including: strength training, balance and cardiovascular endurance
- Conduct supervised exercise sessions.
- Maintain all fitness facility equipment and areas
- Designs, develops and teaches group exercise classes
- Assists the Fitness Manager in the creation, organization, and implementation of other health related activities such as educational speakers, lectures, wellness campaigns and health fairs.
- Provides educational programs on nutrition, fitness, balance, memory and other subjects that enhance and enable wellness in spirit, mind, and body
- Collaborates with physical therapists, nursing and medical practice to begin or continue an exercise program for those with illness, surgery, or injuries
- Keeps statistics & data on resident’s involvement and progress within the program. Also measures participation level and plans for optimal involvement
- Collaborates with other HSL fitness staff to stay up to date with current trends, new exercise equipment and current research
- Develops measurable criteria for residents to understand the value of the programs
- Executes compliance to procedural manuals for the fitness department
- Assists in the organization and scheduling of the fitness centers, pool and aerobics studio
- Attends and contributes to fitness and administrative staff meetings and maybe be expected to be a part of an interdisciplinary wellness team
- Tests chemical levels of the pool daily and ensures state regulations are being followed
- Must be able to provide clear verbal instruction and ensure participants understand and safely perform exercises during one-on-one training sessions, small-group training, and group fitness classes.
- Skilled in supervising multiple residents simultaneously, providing individualized exercise instruction while ensuring safety, organization, and a supportive atmosphere
- Follows rules as set by the individual site employee handbook
- Assists the fitness manager with resident programming surveys
- Assists the fitness manager with creating motivational wellness campaigns and fitness challenges
- Flexible to work occasional weekends and holidays as needed
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology/science or related field and/or a minimum certification level equal to the ACSM Health and Fitness Instructor (HFI), and current CPR certification
- Experience in the fitness field working with seniors preferred
- Knowledge of aging, disability issues and memory support strategies a plus.
- Computer proficiency i.e. ability to use MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Must be able to recognize exercise contraindications and refer to appropriate health professional
- Must be able to recognize signs of fatigue, injury and physiological stress and respond appropriately
- Must be able to teach and motivate elders effectively
- Exceptional customer service, teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills are required
- Ability to promote good relations in-house and with outside vendors, if required
- Demonstrate flexibility, adjusting behavior, style or schedule as circumstances change
- Must care deeply about supporting and assisting seniors to maintain a healthy, happy and fulfilling lifestyles
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift, push and pull 50 pounds and have the ability to transfer and assist residents’ on/off exercise equipment. Be able to stand during scheduled work times.
Remote Type:
On-site
Salary Range:
$53,971.45 - $80,957.18