Cheer Instructor

Position Focus:

The Gymnastics, Tumbling, Cheer & Stunt Instructor is responsible for the implementation of preschool, recreational and competitive teams, and classes under the direction of the Gymnastics or Cheer Coordinator. The Gymnastics, Tumbling, Cheer & Stunt Instructor is responsible for developing, implementing, and teaching techniques, correct safety practices, stretching, flexibility, balance, and other relevant skills to the participants.

Qualifications:

• A minimum age of 15 is required. 15-year-olds must get a work permit to be eligible to work
• Gymnastic, tumbling, cheer, and stunt experience and a background in working with children is required.
• Strong knowledge of gymnastics, tumbling, cheer, and stunt techniques, training criteria, fundamentals and choreography/routine development is needed.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, written and telephone communication skills.
• Team-centric focus with the ability to foster a collaborative, positive and productive environment.
• Other certifications and training may be required as deemed necessary.

Required Knowledge:

• Good knowledge of gymnastics, tumbling, cheer, and stunt techniques coaching, training, teaching and facility oversight.
• Good knowledge of safety training techniques in these environments.
• Must be First Aid, CPR and AED certified, or training is provided by the park district.

Required Competencies:

• Ability to work under the supervision of the Gymnastics or Cheer Coordinator.
• Must be able to work with and communicate with and instruct school-aged children, teens and adults.
• Must have the ability to read and communicate orally and in writing in English, present ideas and make recommendations in a clear, concise manner.
• The individual should be able to work with other staff and participants, maintain self-control and composure in stressful situations.
• Must be able to supervise participants, recognize, identify and take appropriate action to correct safety hazards.
• Ability to resolve conflicts with the Gymnastics or Cheer Coordinator, Recreation Supervisor, peers, subordinates, and coworkers in a productive, professional manner.
• Capacity to be self-motivated and complete assigned work by using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to trouble shoot, problem solve and make sound judgements in keeping with them mission of the Park District.

Hours:

Work hours vary depending on class offerings, practice schedules and meet duties. General work hours are approximately 3-18 per week. Evening and weekend hours are expected due to the nature and times of the practices and programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for leading practices and skill development for specific competitive and recreational levels that are delegated by the Gymnastics or Cheer Coordinator.
• Evaluate participant skills and their progress in skill development.
• Conduct competitive practices and skills based on the level assigned.
• Communicate/update the Gymnastics or Cheer Coordinator their participants activity and progress, and communicate relevant information related to their assigned group.
• Prepare practice plans, warm up, cool down activities for each practice session.
• Responsible for set up and tear down of any equipment and material used in the program.
• Complete safety inspections and maintain safe, organized, and clean gymnastics area and workout space.
• Work with other coaches and staff with space and lesson plans to accommodate all participants.
• Attend any meetings or training sessions required by the Recreation Supervisor or Itasca Park District.
• Spot participants while using gymnastics equipment and while performing tumbling skills.
• Clean and disinfect any activity areas at the conclusion of the program.
• Maintain a safe environment for the program.
• Assist in the coordination of lesson plans and development of routines and stunts.

Marginal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform and enforce the rules and guidelines of the district safety program.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with participants, parents, and other staff.
• Follow any discipline procedures outlined by the Itasca Park District Policy manual.
• Communicate problems, concerns, comments, and possible changes for the program to your supervisor immediately. Anything related to the schedule, programs, participants, parents or safety concerns.
• Lead gymnastics birthday parties.
• Communicate any participant behavioral or disciplinary problems to the attention of the Gymnastics or Cheer Coordinator immediately.
• Perform any other duties and responsibilities not covered above, but directed by the Gymnastics Coordinator, Recreation Supervisor or Assistant Superintendent of Recreation.
• Prepare and submit any reports, forms or inspections necessary. These can include Accident/Incident reports, time sheets, site inspections, attendance, and participant evaluations.

Physical Demands & Environmental Conditions:

The instructor may need to respond quickly and accurately and perform under pressure. Instructors will be required to be able to lift and turn and carry over 100 pounds occasionally and placing this load on shelves at chest height to fulfill this requirement. The individual should be able to work long stretches of time.

• Must possess strength, stamina and mobility to perform heavy physical work.
• Incumbent will repeatedly stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, sit, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to lift heavy weights of greater than 100 pounds occasionally without assistance. The ability to lift, turn and carry 100 pounds safely, placing the load on a chest-high shelf fulfills this lifting requirement.
• Work environments are indoors, around people and recreational supplies and equipment with moderate to high noise levels.
• Work in controlled temperature conditions.
• Vision is required to observe class participants and their ability to learn and participate in program activities. Maintain safety distances and spotting while practicing and performing.
• Normal gym conditions for majority of work. May include occasional light and temperature variations.
• Hearing and speech are required to hear and converse with participants and their parents.
• Exposure to cleaning and recreation supplies, as well as blood and body fluids exposure when rendering first aid and CPR.
• The use of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, based on the assigned job duties:
  • Microshield and/or Sealeasy (CPR Barrier)
  • Non-latex gloves
  • Safety glasses or face shield
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. It is not to be constructed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, and additional duties, functions, activities, or responsibilities may be assigned or change at any time, with or without notice. The employee assigned to this position is responsible for performing the essential and marginal functions as outlined in this job description as well as any other duties that are assigned.

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