Wellness Instructor
Status: Full Time
Location: Ovation Sienna Hills - 1525 E Ovation Pl, Washington, UT 84780
Apply at www.TeamAvamere.com
Job Summary
A Wellness Instructor on an Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care campus, leads engaging, resident-centered fitness and holistic wellness programs in collaboration with the Wellness Director. This position will adapt physical and cognitive activities to suit varying capability levels, boosting mobility and independence for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care residents. The Wellness Instructor collaborates with various stakeholders to create a positive and healthy environment, promoting activities, education, and resources that encourage a balanced lifestyle. This role is crucial in fostering a culture of wellness that improves productivity, reduces healthcare costs, and enhances the quality of life for all participants.
Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive wellness programs.
- Responsible for planning, developing, and executing a holistic, campus-wide wellness program.
- Design and lead a diverse calendar of land-based (and aquatic, if applicable) group exercise classes, including yoga, strength training, water aerobics, and walking clubs.
- Provide one-on-one instruction and orientation for residents using the campus fitness center and cardiovascular equipment.
- Lead specialized movement classes aimed at improving core stability, balance, and gait to minimize fall risks.
- Work closely with residents to promote daily physical activity, helping them maintain the strength needed for activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Design low-impact, sensory-rich, and dementia-friendly activities that focus on range of motion, rhythm, and reminiscence.
- Utilize movement and specialized therapies to help manage and redirect behaviors associated with dementia and memory loss.
- Conduct functional fitness screenings for new residents and monitor ongoing progress, documenting outcomes and attendance per department policy.
- Coordinate closely with nursing, occupational therapy, and life enrichment teams to ensure resident wellness plans are cohesive and medically appropriate.
- Prepare monthly wellness calendars, contribute to community newsletters, and educate residents on healthy lifestyle choices and behavior change strategies.
- Maintain a safe environment in fitness areas, ensuring all equipment is clean and functioning correctly, and following HIPAA and infection control guidelines.
- Create and disseminate wellness-related educational materials.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of wellness programs.
- Report on wellness program outcomes and metrics to stakeholders.
- Promote a culture of wellness throughout the organization.
- Provide individual wellness coaching or counseling.
- Maintain current knowledge of health and wellness trends.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Recreation Management, or a related health field is highly preferred.
- Nationally recognized Personal Trainer Certification (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, or ISSA). Current CPR and First Aid certifications are required.
- Minimum 2 years of teaching group fitness, with prior experience working alongside the geriatric population or within a continuing care retirement community.
- Exceptional patience, empathy, and motivational communication skills are required, particularly when working with residents with cognitive impairments.
- Knowledge of current wellness trends and best practices.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and wellness software tools.
- Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information.
- Compassion for and desire to work with the elderly.
Benefits
At Ovation, we believe caring for others starts with caring for our own teams. Our benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind—so you can focus on making a difference every day.
Employees are Benefits-eligible at 30+ hours/week. Coverage begins the 1st of the month following hire
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Regence medical plans (PPO & HDHP), Delta Dental (with orthodontia), and VSP vision
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs & work/life balance (Canopy)
- Paid Time Off (PTO) – Flexible PTO program combining vacation, sick, and holiday time
- Paid Holidays – Six recognized holidays, with premium pay for eligible hourly employees
- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Available after 90 days, with discretionary employer match
- Health Savings Account (HSA) – Employer contributes up to $600/year for HDHP participants
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Medical, Limited, Dependent Care, and Commuter options
- Supplemental Insurance Options – Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Life & Disability (Sun Life)
- Legal Insurance – Affordable access to legal support for common life needs
- Pet Insurance – Discounted plans through Wishbone
- Employee Discounts – Savings on travel, entertainment, electronics, fitness & more (Tickets at Work)
Ovation by Avamere is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify