LiveStrong Instructor

Job Summary:

The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Instructor is responsible for leading small group exercise and support sessions for cancer survivors. This role involves helping participants improve their strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall wellness while creating a supportive and nurturing environment. The instructor will serve as a role model for positive health, encouraging participants to adopt healthier lifestyles in a safe and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program, ensuring it meets the program’s goals of increasing physical activity, improving functional ability, and enhancing quality of life for participants.
• Create a welcoming and safe environment for participants, ensuring that exercises are modified to suit the needs of individuals recovering from cancer.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of cancer recovery processes and the unique challenges cancer survivors face in exercise settings.
• Track participant progress, documenting achievements, and providing encouragement and positive reinforcement.
• Work closely with the Wellness Director and other staff to ensure the program aligns with YMCA values and safety protocols.
• Attend required YMCA and LIVESTRONG® training sessions, staying current on program standards and exercise guidelines for cancer survivors.
• Promote the program within the YMCA and in the community, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of community among participants.
• Ensure that all YMCA policies and standards are followed during each class, including safety procedures, record-keeping, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Engage participants in educational discussions related to health and wellness, cancer recovery, and exercise benefits.
• Assist in conducting program assessments and gathering participant feedback for program improvement.

Qualifications:

• Certification in LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Instructor Training (or willingness to obtain).
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.
• Experience in personal training, group exercise instruction, or wellness coaching (experience with cancer survivors is a plus).
• Strong interpersonal skills with a compassionate, motivating, and supportive attitude.
• Ability to modify exercises based on participant needs and health conditions.
• Commitment to the YMCA’s mission of promoting healthy living and fostering a community of care.

Work Environment:

• The position requires a mix of physical activity, including standing for extended periods, leading exercise movements, and adjusting equipment.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person and over the phone, engaging participants and staff clearly and supportively.
• This position may require work on evenings or weekends depending on class schedules.

Employees and volunteers who do not directly supervise children and teens will: 

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with children and teens. 

• Attend required abuse risk management training annually. 

• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. 

• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements. 

• Adhere to job-specific abuse risk management responsibilities.