Specialty Instructor (5138)

YMCA OF METROPOLITAN LOS ANGELES

The LA Y is the Center for Community Well-Being in Los Angeles, committed to building stronger communities by providing equitable programs and services to empower all. We are focused on fighting food insecurity, providing equity in education, making sure every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of sports, ensuring kids and teens have a safe place to grow, learn and live a healthy lifestyle. The LA Y’s health and wellness initiatives offer medical and mental health resources to ensure everyone has access to basic health needs. Our mission is to provide services and resources that contribute to the well-being of our community. The LA Y operates 29 Centers and over 200 program sites across LA County.

POSITION SUMMARY

Instructs group classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that promotes member wellness and engagement.  The Specialty Instructor is responsible for leading group exercise classes teaching the specific skills affiliated with each particular course design, while maintaining the health and safety of each class participant.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Create a welcoming environment by greeting members by name with a smile and eye contact.
• Plan and lead exercise sessions in one or more assigned fitness areas, such as aerobics, stretching/flexibility, yoga, circuit training, general fitness, weight training, and/or specialty training by implementing effective teaching methods, giving equal attention to all participants.
• Responsible for administering professional and effective program-specific skills according to course description.
• Set up and monitor class equipment, ensuring equipment remains in working condition. Report all equipment repair needs to supervisor immediately. 
• Advise participants on program and class procedures and policies, as appropriate.
• Distribute handouts and/or class evaluations, if appropriate, and answer questions from participants after each session.  
• Develop positive relationships with participants and provide motivational support and guidance to support members in their healthy living goals. 
• Address members who are not performing exercises correctly by demonstrating proper form and techniques.
• Record number of participants per class for every class taught.
• Encourage member involvement and identify potential volunteers.
• Respond promptly and courteously to all member inquiries/needs.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities. Complete additional projects and reports as required.
• Attend staff meetings and training as required.
• Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
• Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring and Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility, in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• AGE: 18+
• EDUCATION:  High school Diploma/GED
• CERTIFICATIONS: Foundations of YMCA Group Exercise or equivalent ACE, AFAA, or ACSM Health Fitness Instructor; Specialized and/or advanced group fitness certification
  • As current non Y certifications lapse and/or require renewal/recertification via CEC’s through a 3rd party vendor (whether ACSM, NSCA, AFAA, Pilates, or other) staff may keep those certifications current at their own expense. 
  • If staff choose not to keep their non Y certifications current, as a condition of employment to continue to work for the Y, staff will be required to complete the Y-ACE certifications.
  • Y-ACE has an equivalency certification provision.  Anyone holding an equivalent cert from another recognized entity can apply for an equivalency.
• SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values; communication skills
• RELATED EXPIERNCE: Previous experience as a fitness instructor preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

•  You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

The Y’s Leadership Competency Model is comprised of multiple leadership competencies (leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the Y), organized by the four disciplines of cause driven leadership:

• Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community.
  • Competencies Include: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Philanthropy, & Volunteerism
• Building Relationships: Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs.
  • Competencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion
• Leading Operations: ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community.
  • Competencies Include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management
• Developing & Inspiring Others: support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact.
  • Competencies Include: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity

While all competencies are significant the following are critical to success in this position:

• Values
• Inclusion
• Quality Results
• Emotional Maturity