Group Water Fitness Instructor Tier 3: Stratford RIchardson YMCA

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Group Fitness Director/Coordinator/Administrator and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Group Fitness Instructor Tier 3 is responsible for instructing safe, effective and fun group exercise (land or water), as well as, enhancing the quality and growth of the program and retention of the participants of the Group Fitness programs.

Culture Statement:

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to
collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with
Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy. We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences. 

Essential Functions:

• Design and prepare class routines that meet all the necessary components and safe guidelines in accordance with current accepted practices of exercise physiology.
• Allow for pre/post class member engagement to build member relations.
• Record class attendance and maintain a minimum of 70% target attendance with continual growth.
• Responsible for teaching a minimum of 2 classes per week (8/month) including but not limited to at least one sub per month, and appropriately securing a substitute instructor when needed.
• Responsible to start and end class on time.
• Maintain equipment and keep group exercise area clean.
• Participate in Community Outreach campaign.
• Awareness of all branch emergency procedures.
• Must attend staff meetings
• Participation in continuing education training specific to individual goals and branch objectives.
• Supports the mission, vision and direction of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

 Required Qualifications:

• All mandatory YMCA of Greater Charlotte trainings must be completed by the required date
• 5 years (500 hours) or more of teaching experience
• Proof of current ACE Group Exercise Certification or AEA Water Fitness Certification (or equivalent) or Specialty Trademarked Certification.
• Ability to teach 2 or more class formats.
• Passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Reliable, self-motivated and self-starter
• Outgoing personality with a natural ability to build positive and trusting relationships
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to promote programs and services
• Enthusiastic and supportive attitude
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor and genuine committed in providing quality service
• Willing to work flexible work hours based on clients availability
• Basic computer skills i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong communication skills: Active listening & conflict resolution
• Ability to identify and solve problems in a changing environment
• Ability to design safe, fun and effective workouts for diverse populations.
• Ability to accept and deliver constructive criticism
• Desire to expand your skillset through recommended development training
• Ability to build your personal fitness brand that aligns with the Y’s mission
• Understanding Y-Culture
• Ability to teach basic group training formats plus 1 additional specialty formats

Working Conditions:

• Ability to teach classes at a variety of days/times including nights and weekends on occasion.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Ability to squat, lunge, rotate and get up off the floor.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate verbally and non-verbally.
• Ability to spot form errors in a group setting and properly cue form corrections.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an
  emergency.
• Think in abstract, solve problems, make quick decisions

Competencies: 

1 ENGAGING COMMUNITY: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit

2 COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that
engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause

3 FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role

4 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in
all situations