Oncology Exercise Specialist chez Wellness House

Description

A Meaningful Mission

Wellness House envisions a community where all people affected by cancer thrive. Offered at no cost, and as a complement to medical treatment, our programs educate, support, and empower participants in order to help them improve their physical and emotional well-being. 

Summary of Position:

Department: Programs   

Supervised by: Exercise & Stress Management Manager

Supervises: None 

Status: Full-time; salary; non-exempt 

Hours: 40 hours per week, two evenings per week, one Saturday per month

Location: Onsite at main location in Hinsdale and assigned partner locations in Chicagoland area

 The Oncology Exercise Specialist (OES) is responsible for designing, tailoring, and facilitating innovative exercise programs, including classes, presentations, individual consultations, and fitness assessments for people impacted by cancer of all ages and healthcare professionals.  This position maintains required certifications and practices safety guidelines related to participant paperwork/registration, facility/equipment maintenance, and emergency protocols.  Additionally, the OES participates in program development and evaluation to support the continuous quality improvement of the WH programs across all locations and online.  

RESPONSIBILITIES (100% Program Responsibilities)

Direct Service with Participants (85%)

Exercise Program 

• Design and facilitate up to 25 exercise classes per week as determined by supervisor to meet the needs of participants of all ages across the cancer journey, including newly diagnosed, active treatment, post-treatment recovery, and long-term survivorship at all locations and online.  Provide coverage for exercise staff absences as requested. 
• Schedule and conduct individual exercise consultations and fitness assessments to assess participant exercise needs, identify exercise goals, tailor exercise prescriptions, create custom exercise plans, and monitor progress.  
• Identify opportunities for innovative exercise programs. 
• Assist manager with exercise paperwork contacts and annual exercise registration process by contacting participants to answer questions, register for programs, and schedule consults.  
• Collect, process, and update participant paperwork and files, including orientation documents, current physician medical release, medical health history, and informed consent waivers. 
• Travel required through the Chicagoland area for program delivery.  
• Facilitate participant entry into WH programs through engagement, assessment, support, triage, introduction to programs, and referrals as needed.   
• Follow up with participants at appropriate intervals to monitor progress, assess needs, schedule appointments, and provide resources and assistance.  
• Promptly complete appropriate documentation, attendance, and participant efforts in the participant database, Mindbody Online (MBO). 
• Create and facilitate educational presentations, workshops, and events at WH, partner locations, and online as assigned. 

Program Support (10%) 

• As needed, recruit, interview, and recommend new volunteers, interns, and contractual staff. 
• Assist with the supervision of daily work, training, and scheduling of department volunteers and interns, as requested 
• Participate in program development and the evaluation of programs as requested. 
• Ensure the exercise facility is in good working order, including maintaining equipment, ensuring supplies are available, and adhering to infection control practices.   
• Work with team to develop, support, implement, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to provide quality programs to diverse communities. 

Other (5%)  

• Promptly report to the Office Manager and supervisor any observations of malfunction or inadequacy of the WH facility that would compromise the safety of staff and participants or negatively impact the delivery of WH programs. 
• Protect the organization's value by keeping information confidential.  
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.  
• Perform general tasks and other duties as assigned. 

Performance Measures:

• To be filled in each year during annual evaluation, by employee and supervisor

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in a health-related field such as Physical Education or Exercise Physiology; Ability to obtain exercise certification and Cancer Exercise Specialist or Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer certification within six months of hire.

Job Experience: Minimum of one year of experience leading exercise classes; three years or more preferred. Experience working with a medical patient population, ideally with a cancer patient population. Nonprofit experience is a plus. 

Special Knowledge & Skills: Solid understanding and appreciation of the fundamental principles of safe exercise programming; comfort with public speaking; results orientation; ability to handle multiple priorities; initiative; highly ethical; ability to work within a team and motivate others; able to work independently; self-motivated and task-orientated. General computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Products such as Word and Excel; good interpersonal and organizational skills. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Demonstrated Competencies: Ability to conduct multiple exercise classes daily, including supervising aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility training; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written; ability to collaborate with peers and provide constructive feedback to others; desire to work as a team member and accomplish the larger goals of the organization. Commitment to cancer health equity and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and commitment to the mission of Wellness House.

Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Wellness House is an EOE.

Join Our Team!

At Wellness House, we are always looking for smart, dedicated experts who believe in a psychosocial approach to complement cancer care. A career with WH provides an opportunity to use your unique skills and talents to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer.

We provide opportunities for staff growth, leadership development, and team building throughout the year. Processing of the work experience is supported through individual reflective supervision and weekly group supervision sessions. We value direct communication and a mindful approach. Our staff culture is intentional in our efforts to acknowledge and make space for diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging in our work with each other and in our program delivery. From snack-and-greets to staff retreats, we make sure to give our staff a chance to connect. 

Benefits:

Employer paid Medical, Dental, Life, Long-term Disability, and AD&D insurance premiums 

Voluntary Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Pet Insurance benefits available 

403(b) with employer match 

Annual incentive bonus 

Gym on-site 

Generous sick and vacation time 

Estimated hiring range: $50,000 - $61,000 annual salary

Final offers are based upon qualifications, years of experience, and internal equity considerations and may or may not fall within the estimated hiring range.