Specialty Sports Instructor- Adaptive Gym and Yoga

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Specialty Sports Program Instructor at The YMCA of the Jersey Shore intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. Under the direct supervision of the Regional Youth & Sports Director, the Sports Program Instructor will carry out sport program curriculum, promoting skill development, good sportsmanship, healthy living and a passion for sport participation. 

Under the direct supervision of the Youth & Family Coordinator, the Adaptive Yoga Program Instructor will lead participants through an inclusive, supportive, and developmentally appropriate yoga program designed to meet a variety of abilities and individual needs. The instructor will carry out the established Adaptive Yoga curriculum through gentle movement, stretching, breathing exercises, balance activities, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and modified yoga poses. The instructor will promote confidence, body awareness, flexibility, coordination, self-regulation, and positive social interaction while creating an environment where every participant can experience success. 

The Adaptive Yoga Program Instructor should recognize that participation may look different for each individual and should provide modifications, choices, visual demonstrations, and additional support as needed. Experience working with individuals with disabilities, special needs, or varying physical, developmental, sensory, or learning needs is strongly preferred. Previous yoga, fitness, recreation, education, or adaptive-programming experience is beneficial. 

• Must always be on time and ready for your scheduled shift, which includes but is not limited to adhering to the established branch and department dress code.
• Lead participants through the established Adaptive Yoga curriculum, providing clear, encouraging, and accessible instruction.
• Prepare for each class by reviewing the lesson plan, organizing necessary equipment, and ensuring the program space is safe and welcoming before participants arrive.
• Lead participants through age- and ability-appropriate yoga poses, gentle stretches, breathing exercises, balance activities, mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and movement activities.
• Demonstrate movements clearly and provide verbal, visual, and modeled instructions when appropriate.
• Provide multiple options and modifications for movements and poses so participants can engage according to their individual abilities and comfort levels.
• Recognize that successful participation may look different for each participant and avoid comparing participants' abilities or requiring all participants to perform movements in the same manner.
• Encourage participants to listen to their bodies and reinforce that they may modify, rest, or discontinue a movement when needed.
• Never force or pressure a participant into a position, stretch, physical movement, or level of participation that causes discomfort or distress.
• Promote body awareness, coordination, balance, flexibility, confidence, relaxation, and self-regulation through developmentally appropriate activities.
• Demonstrate YMCA core character values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring in all interactions with employees, members, staff and others; commit to ongoing professional development.
• Leads participants through the intended individual, small group and/or group program curriculum. Maintaining the roster and attendance tracking.
•  Monitors participants activity to ensure all are participating, being treated fairly and provided equal opportunities. Proactively make adjustments to engage those not actively participating.
• Interacts with participants and parents in a positive manner that reflects a “family friendly” YMCA.
• Exercise sound judgment in relationship to member safety & injuries. Follow all
  emergency procedures
• Visually inspect work area and equipment for safety and risk, report to supervisor in writing any problems. Responsible for filling out accident/incident reports and getting these reports to the Regional Youth & Sports Director. Additionally, immediately report any unsafe or suspicious activity directly to Youth & Family Coordinator or Director on Duty.
• Embrace and adhere to service excellence standards; provide outstanding service to your customers and constituents.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth. Complete required abuse risk management training. Follow mandated abuse reporting procedures, including reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations
• Represent the YMCA in a professional manner and promote a positive and cheerful environment.
• Attend and participate in all required staff meetings and continuing job training.
• Be able to complete payroll on time each week on the ADP Mobile application on your personal phone.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by Youth & Family Coordinator or Branch Executive Director.
• Any person who cannot be present for their assigned shift because of an appointment, sick or vacation time is required to find a substitute and notify the Membership Director by phone and/or email at your earliest available time.

Qualifications

• Minimum 17 years old, 18 years of age or older preferred
• High school education/GED equivalent
• Previous experience playing or coaching sports
• Ability to communicate to youth and adults
• First Aid, CPR/AED certification within 90 days of hire date
• The YMCA of The Jersey Shore New Team Member Orientation
• YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Online Training
• Blood borne Pathogen Online Training
• Notify Wellness Director within 60 days before First Aid, CPR/AED expiration date. The YMCA provides First Aid, CPR/AED recertification classes.