Life Style Coach

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Director of Medically Based Wellness Programs, the Lifestyle Coach will provide support and guidance to participants in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. The Lifestyle Coach will be responsible for implementing curriculum designed for the program. The position will be instrumental in helping the member set goals, both long and short term and develop self-management skills consistent with sustained health behavior change. This position must perform program responsibilities in accordance with the policies, goals and mission set forth by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Deliver diabetes prevention program curriculum to class participants in effective, meaningful and compelling ways.
• Encourage group participation and interaction through the use of open-ended questions.
• Facilitate commitment and retention of participants by fostering relationships with and between participants, and creating a motivating environment that is friendly and non-competitive.
• Make learning a shared responsibility for the group.
• Prepare before each class (i.e. review participants’ food and activity trackers, lesson plan, content for class, reminder call/email participants).
• Provide accessibility to participants both before and after sessions to answer questions and follow-up on any questions you cannot answer during class time.
• Follow-up with participants if they are unable to attend and provide an in person make-up session opportunity.
• Notify your supervisor 24 hours in advance of any expected absenteeism.
• Attend all required staff meetings, both departmental and branch/assoc. level.
• Be a team player and assist co-workers in other departments when needed.
• Teach, promote and practice the five YMCA Character Development Values.
• Support and encourage participant goal setting on a weekly basis.
• Record weekly data for each participant (attendance, body weight, physical activity total weekly minutes, etc.) Enter data electronically within 48 hours of the class.
• Arrive for class on time and dressed appropriately.
• Participate in all Lifestyle Coach team discussions (meetings, emails or conference calls). Offer ideas and tools for facilitation to the coach team and remain engaged with the team at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Collaboration
• Developing Others
• Emotional Maturity

QUALIFICATIONS:
A 4 year college degree in a health related field is preferred. Will accept experience in lieu of college degree. Must have knowledge of fitness related research and program design including basic anatomy, physiology, exercise principles and behavior change methods. To be successful within this position, incumbent must be committed to and supportive of the Y mission with an emphasis on support to health seekers. Must have a strong communication and relationship building skills, the ability build community within a group and have empathy for health seekers.
Must participate in the YMCA’s USA National Diabetes Prevention training. Will need to be computer literate, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite products. This position requires certification of CPR Pro and First Aid within 60 days of hire; and Online Training of BBP and Hazardous Communications within the first week of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed indoors in a health & wellness facility, community facility and periodic work outdoors, less than 10%. Visual acuity is required to read computer screens and other documents as well as observe members performing wellness routines. Job requires a high level of alertness and concentration in order to demonstrate the use of wellness related equipment. Repetitive stooping and bending as well as periodic lifting of up to 50 pounds. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and sit for short periods of time. Incumbent must be able to hear, speak, and understand the words of others as well as the ability to manipulate keyboards, telephone keypads, and writing utensils.