Position Summary:
This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Water Fitness Instructor at the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and provides direct leadership, instruction, motivation, safety, and enjoyment for Water Fitness participants. The Water Fitness Instructor provides direct instruction and assures the well-being for each participant while using YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
- Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with members, colleagues, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, members, program participants, and colleagues at all levels of the organization, and helps participants connect with each other and the YMCA.
- Provides water aerobics instruction, monitors, and educates participants on fitness and safety within the YMCA of the USA guidelines and in accordance with their training, and facilitates a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Instructs class in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared class plans accordingly, and supports members and program participants in achieving their goals.
- Follows all aquatic procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, sessions, forms, reports, and staff expectations.
- Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on Aquatics and Health and Wellness programs, schedules, and member engagement.
- Maintains physical presence at all times with class and remains aware of pool surroundings and participants in the pool.
- Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures, and those for the prevention of child abuse.
- Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.
YMCA Leadership Competencies
- Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in such a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.
- Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
- Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.
- Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
Experience, Education, and Qualifications
Experience instructing water fitness classes preferred
- One year of experience instructing fitness classes and one year experience instructing aquatic based classes/lessons.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours, including some weekends and holidays.
- Demonstrates leadership skills in an outgoing, friendly, assertive, professional, and mature manner.
- Demonstrates a sincere desire to improve the health and wellness of YMCA program, staff, and program participants.
- Ability to lead and motivate others.
- Demonstrates excellent planning and organizational skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills, as well as the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with Members, Directors and Staff.
- Experience teaching group fitness classes and enjoys working with people
Trainings & Certifications
- Must complete online New Employee Orientation, Child Abuse Prevention, Mandated Reporter, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communication, and Employee Safety trainings prior to start of position.
- Must hold and maintain current CPR, AED, first aid, and oxygen administration within 60-days of hire date.
- Must hold and maintain Group Exercise and/or Water Fitness Instructor Certifications within 6-months of hire date.
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate. The employee frequently is required to remain stationary; move; type; and reach objects. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Must be able to the ability to perform all physical aspects of the position.
Work Environment
This job operates in a recreational and educational environment. This role routinely uses standard sports and recreation equipment such as gym equipment, sports equipment, and office equipment such as phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. At times, employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and risk of injury from others. All employees are required to follow the preventative health policies of the YMCA at all times. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
