REQUISITION DETAILS:

Employment Status: Casual
Program Name: SMART, Community Support Services
Work Schedule: Days
Union/Bargaining Unit: CLAC
On-Call: No
Location(s): Brantford and surrounding area
Existing Vacancy: Yes - we’re currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.

JOB SUMMARY:

The SMART Program (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) provides exercise sessions for older adults living independently in the community. It is designed to promote an active, healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of falls. The coordinator schedules all client visits. The Exercise Leader implements the program in accordance with VON Standards.

EDUCATION, DESIGNATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school graduate.
• First Aid and CPR are required.
• *Certification and/or certificate of completion as a Seniors Fitness Instructor and/or equivalent is required at the time of hire or within 3 months from time of hire. *Please note: Certifications are not required at time of application. VON Canada may offer opportunities for training.
• Experience promoting health and well-being through physical activity.
• Post-secondary education in a healthcare setting is considered an asset (related field including, but not limited to: Fitness and Health Promotion, Recreation and Leisure, Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant, Kinesiology, Gerontology, etc.).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching group fitness classes for older adults including experience teaching specialized classes for chronic conditions is an asset i.e. Osteoporosis, Parkinson Disease, Diabetes, Osteoarthritis etc.
• Experience working in a retirement home or assisted living environment is an asset.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Respect for privacy and confidentiality.
• Dependability and trustworthiness.
• Good communication and active listening skills.
• Capacity to remain calm in unexpected situations.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Sets up physical class environment (chairs, equipment, etc.).
• Develops, modifies and delivers low-impact, safe and effective group or in-home exercises that prevent injury, reduce risk of falls and provide therapeutic benefits for older adults. Incorporates specific attention to underlying medical issues and associated risks for high-risk and/or frail older adults.
• Identifies and effectively utilizes tools and resources for relevant work (i.e. resistance bands, exercise balls, weights, music and other such program enhancers).
• Utilizes effective communication skills to obtain information from the clients, as applicable (i.e. when completing required paperwork with new participants).
• Promotes client independence through fitness and health promotion.
• Works toward fulfillment of client goals.
• Participates in on-going review of service delivery process and evaluation.
• Attends educational in-services that are deemed appropriate by Program Supervisor.
• Provides fall prevention education as directed by Program Supervisor and/or designate.
• Ensures all incidents are reported in a timely manner in accordance with legislation and VON policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMMON RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes the goals and values of VON and their role as an integrated community care provider.
• Promotes a safe and healthy workplace ensuring workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and compliant with the VON Safety Management System, including all Policies, Safe Work Practices and Procedures.
• Abides by all VON policies and work practices.
• Abides by all confidentiality and protection of personal information policies, regulations and practices and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place within their role.
• Works in collaboration with other staff in a team approach to service delivery.