Health Fitness Specialist - Hershey, PA. - The National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS)

Summary

The Health Fitness Specialist uses specialized educational experience and training combined with independent judgment to ensure quality in all areas of the Fitness Center, including but not limited to, exercise program design, fitness testing, nutritional advice, customer service, group exercise, and other Fitness Center and/or departmental initiatives.

Essential Duties

• Assesses health status of members, ranging from apparently healthy to high risk, to provide exercise and other wellness-related counsel/recommendations unique to each individual through exercise prescriptions, fitness assessments and other related services 
• Creates educational and program-specific print materials that are relevant to the population and that convey safe and accurate health information; writes clearly and informatively, varies writing style to meet audience needs
• Teaches group exercise classes onsite; provides a range of acceptable activities to meet various fitness levels of class participants; adheres to appropriate safety guidelines while keeping classes inviting, challenging, and well-attended
• Supervises fitness center and uses educational background and other relevant training to accurately and safely answer member questions related to health, fitness, and wellbeing 
• Supervises Coverage Specialists and Group Fitness Instructors (where applicable); uses independent judgment to delegate appropriate work assignments, addresses performance issues if necessary, makes hiring/firing/discipline recommendations to Manager if needed
• Conducts orientations according to the facility layout, membership policies/procedures, and Quality Assurance guidelines
• Implements and participates in NIFS and client-led programs and services
• Assists with marketing programs and services to members and other employees/residents of the client
• Establishes an ongoing positive and professional rapport with members
• Cross-trains to learn some responsibilities of other full time staff onsite; may, at the discretion of the manager, provide some supervision of other staff such as front desk attendants or coverage specialists; refer to the “Supervisory Responsibilities” in the Fitness Center Manager job description for additional expectations when applicable
• Partners with other staff to help clean equipment and other areas of the facility as needed
• Demonstrates work ethic, ingenuity, customer care, and attention to detail
• Maintains familiarity with and abides by the policies stated in the NIFS Employee Handbook
• Performs other duties as assigned

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Technical Skills – Adequately performs Essential Duties noted above, pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others; exercises independent judgment with respect to health coaching (exercise prescriptions, fitness assessments, etc); displays original thinking and creativity; develops innovative approaches and ideas
• Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; refers difficult or emotional customer service situations to the Assistant Manager or Manager; meets commitments and responsibilities to both internal and external customers
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; pairs identification of a problem with possible solutions; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things, maintains confidentiality of both member’s business and NIFS business; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; diffuses workplace gossip; asks for and offers help when needed; demonstrates professionalism in all written and verbal communication
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; adheres to work schedule (as determined collaboratively by Health Fitness Specialist and Manager) with reasonable and reliable attendance; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; adapts to changes in the work environment; deals positively with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; commits to longer hours of work when necessary; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan
• Judgment - Exhibits sound, timely and accurate judgment by providing reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance
• Teamwork - Volunteers readily; balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; contributes positively in meetings
• Organizational Support - Follows NIFS policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; benefits organization through outside activities; supports NIFS policies related to equal opportunity; respects workplace diversity; responds to management direction 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Essential Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Degree in a health-related field, preferably from a four-year college/university
• Internship in a corporate fitness setting preferred
• Six months to one year of experience in the field preferred
• Ability to teach basic core and muscle conditioning group fitness classes
• Ability to safely and accurately prescribe exercise for a variety of populations using ACSM guidelines

Computer Skills

• Knowledge of Internet Explorer or other platforms for responsible use of the Web as a resource
• Knowledge of and demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel,
• Word, and Power Point and Publisher
• Once trained, the employee should be capable of accurately using NIFS payroll system

Certifications

• ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist preferred
• Other industry-related certifications (CPT, CSCS, etc) acknowledged
• Current CPR/AED/First Aid certification required
• Trained in Universal Precautions annually (provided by NIFS)

Language Skills

• Reads and accurately interprets documents such as NIFS or client rules/policies, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Writes routine reports and correspondence effectively and precisely for the designated audience
• Speaks effectively in English

Other Requirements

• May, at any time, be required to submit to and successfully pass a thorough background check and/or drug screen
• Must have regular and reliable transportation to and from work

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and rarely lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving equipment parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate