Defeat PD - Parkinson's Exercise Program Assistant (Pelham YMCA)

At the YMCA, we are dedicated to fostering a community that promotes health, well-being, and inclusivity for all. A certified Parkinson's Exercise Program Instructor plays a pivotal role in delivering exercise programs designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson's, aligning with the YMCA's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our community members.

Responsibilities:

Exercise Program Design and Implementation:

• Support program instructors by effectively identifying participants needing assistance and being able to quickly tend to those needs.
• Provide modifications and adjustments to accommodate varying fitness levels and abilities.

Communication and Advocacy:

• Demonstrate an understanding of Parkinson's symptoms and treatments.
• Effectively communicate with participants and their care partners.
• Advocate for the positive impact of exercise on the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's, aligning with the YMCA's mission.

Assessment and Modification:

• Create a supportive and inclusive environment by using appropriate safety protocols
• Provide appropriate exercise modification through independent identification of participants in need.

Instruction and Engagement:

• Respond to medical incidents, and anticipate support needed to provide education to enhance participants' understanding and engagement.
• Utilize behavior change strategies to foster a sense of community, motivation, and program adherence.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Recognize changes in participants' health status
• Collaborate with the program instructor to identify any suitable program changes for participants
• Ability to recognize participants who need special attention due to health concerns.

Professionalism and Compliance:

• Mitigate legal risk by adhering to professional responsibilities, ensuring a safe exercise environment, and following health and safety regulations.
• Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere, offering encouragement, support, and motivation to participants.

Continuous Learning and Program Alignment:

• Stay updated on the latest guidelines and recommendations for Parkinson's exercise programs.
• Attend training sessions or workshops as needed and maintain open communication for program alignment.
• Participate in staff meetings.

Community Building:

• Establish a sense of community, autonomy, and camaraderie among participants.

Safety and Emergency Procedures:

• Understand safety and emergency procedures, reporting any issues immediately.

Supervisors and administrators will:

Follow employee's and volunteers' screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk.

Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk.

Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with children and teens.

Require employees and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.

• Specialized training in Parkinson's exercise programs.
• Experience working with individuals with Parkinson's disease.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• CPR and First Aid certification.