Job Title: Running Assistant

Reports To: Multisport Director
Work Location: All branches of the YMCA
FLSA: Non-exempt – Part-time

Work Schedule: As prescribed by the Multisport Director

Salary Range: $15.00/hour

General Functions:
Under the direction of the Multisport Director, the Running Assistant is responsible for creating a safe and enjoyable exercise experience at the YMCA of Central New York. To achieve this environment, the Running Assistant must deliver safe and effective exercise and training programs, enforce all wellness program policies and ensure that member needs are met through constant attention to detail. The incumbent accepts, demonstrates and teaches the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, and respect and responsibility.

YMCA Running Department Quality Service Theme:

By encouraging healthy lifestyles, we make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Instruct a safe and effective running group.

• Arrive 5 minutes before scheduled shift time to greet new members and prepare for stretches.

• Encourage runners to re-register for every session of the program.

• Take group photo following group stretch, post group photo following group stretch within scheduled shift time.

• Accept and perform your assigned role during the running group given by Multisport Director.

• Conducting or assisting in conducting sessions in accordance with the set workout plan provided by the Multisport Director.

• Assisting in providing safety, encouragement, moral support and greet all runners in a professional manor.

• Maintain attendance record for classes.

• Report all incidents to the Multisport Director at the time of occurrence.

• Comply with the Call-In Procedure as established by the YMCA of Central New York; 2-hour notice, by phone, must be provided to the Multisport Director prior to your scheduled shift.

• Maintain and keep all certifications current when instructing for the YMCA.

• Within scheduled class time, review any necessary first day information with new runners including access to Syracuse Y Runners Facebook Page, invitation to Long Run Group, provide log sheets, current schedule of classes and a brief review of its intended use.

• Follow all procedures and accept any changes for conducting specified running groups as set by the Multisport Director.

• All cancellations due to weather must be communicated and approved by the Multisport Director prior to cancelling classes.

Maintain a pleasant and professional Running environment:

• Contribute to the success of the Running Department; be on time for all classes and be prepared to conduct a safe and enjoyable program with your clientele/classes.

• Be prepared for class with a device for timing and whistle (provided).

• Work with fellow staff members and treat them with respect and conduct yourself in a positive manner, supporting one another.

• Maintain a professional status on social media, and with participants outside of running group. Conduct yourself with the YMCA Core Values in mind.

• Assist with inside and outside promotions as they relate to the Running Department.

• Attend the two (2) mandatory, paid staff meetings on an annual basis.

• Other duties as assigned by the Multisport Director

Experience and Education:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

• Experienced runner with the ability to run at least 60-90 minutes continuously with group.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Demonstrate leadership skills in an outgoing, friendly, assertive, professional and mature manner.

• Demonstrate a sincere desire to improve the YMCA Running Department, staff and department participants.

• Ability to lead and motivate others.

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with Members, Directors, and Staff.

• Refrain from diagnosing injuries and offering nutritional advice, medical advice and dispensing or endorsing any and all commercial health products.

• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including some weekends.

• Must be willing to instruct running classes in extreme weather conditions

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens, Employee Safety and Youth Protection Series trainings prior to assignment to initial position.

• Must hold CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications or successfully complete no later than 30-days after employment begins.

• Must complete online Hazard Communication training within the first 90-days of employment.

• Must attend and complete Listen First within the first 90-days of employment.

Core Competencies:

• Supports the Mission, Vision and Direction of the YMCA: Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA; displays the YMCA values; displays flexibility and accepts changes; is willing to try new methods and make suggestions; shows a strong commitment to the YMCA; conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and his/her work.

• Builds Community: Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship-building techniques; supports the role of fund-raising in achieving the YMCA mission.

• Provides a Quality Experience for Members, Participants, Internal Customer and Other: Possesses the ability to deliver outstanding experiences for members, participants, internal customers and others; builds warm and supportive relationships; consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; strives to provide service that will exceed expectations; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution; looks for better ways to serve in involve members, participants, internal customers and others.

• Works Productively: Demonstrates responsible actions; consistently performs duties in a safe and conscientious manner within the agreed upon timeframe; follows standards, policies and procedures; is reliable and consistently punctual; actively participates in staff meetings, required trainings, and other work related activities; uses good judgment; uses YMCA resources appropriately and efficiently.

• Uses Effective Personal Behaviors/Communicates Effectively: Treats everyone with courtesy, respect and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner; embraces differences among people; demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.

Effect on End Results:

Successful implementation of the program will result in quality Health and Wellness Running Programs that meet or exceed the needs of our members and the community at large.

Physical Demands:

Hear noises and distress signals in a running environment with background noise and perform all needed rescues skills. Operate alone as a Running Assistant without other instructors for support. Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, type, run, jump, kick, catch, throw, climb, kneel, bend, reach, balance, crouch or crawl, climb and/or balance, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, climb a minimum of two flights of stairs, lift/move and carry approximately 35 pounds, and use hands and fingers, carry out emergency evacuation plans, and specific vision abilities required close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work is normally performed in a typical YMCA facility environment. At times, the employee may be exposed to situations where injuries may occur. Frequently exposed to loud noise and background music. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions in conducting certain Triathlon programs. Frequently exposed to OSHA approved cleaning solutions.

Americans with Disabilities Specifications:

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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.