CDOFSS Program Specialist

Overview

Symbria works with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services to deliver Well-Being classes to older adults. We are looking for students who want to help improve the health and lives of older adults and become certified to deliver Fit & Strong!, a top ranked evidence-based exercise program that was developed at UIC. This is a summer job that has the potential to be a permanent part-time job in the future.

This position is out of West Town Senior Satellite Center.

Fit & Strong! information: Fit & Strong! is a group physical activity and behavior change program for persons with arthritis. The program consists of 24 sessions each lasting 90 minutes. The first 60 minutes focus on flexibility, low-impact aerobics, and strength training to improve lower body function.  The remaining 30 minutes consist of health education and group problem solving using a structured curriculum.  Participants develop personalized action plans to maintain physical activity and progress after the class ends. Fit & Strong! is effective, engaging, and fun – the program has high retention and attendance rates.

Fit & Strong! is currently offered by community sites across 32 states + DC. Fit & Strong! is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Council on Aging, the American Physical Therapy Association, and is a Research Tested Intervention Program evaluated by the National Cancer Institute/NIH.

Read more about Fit & Strong! here: https://fitandstrong.uic.edu/ 

Responsibilities

Duties:

• Lead evidence-based group exercise classes for older adults throughout Chicago. Classes are offered in senior centers and senior housing buildings across the City. Promote community outreach well-being programs during special events.
• Instructors can work between 5 to 25 hours/week, between the hours of 9 AM to 4 PM.
• Instructors may need to travel to multiple sites and different communities throughout the City
• Teaching opportunities are available in both English and Spanish

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Open to current students and graduates with coursework in: kinesiology, exercise science, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, pre-medicine, and other relevant majors.
• Open to individuals with verified group fitness instructor experience holding a nationally recognized certification (such as ACE, AFAA, or ACSM);
• CPR Certification Required

Note: CPR certification can be obtained online through the American Red Cross for $37. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/cpr-training/cpr-online

All applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, military status or an unfavorable discharge from military service.

#LI-ONSITE