Join CMAP & The Rapides Foundation in Building a Healthier Community

CMAP, an affiliate of The Rapides Foundation, is looking for a community-focused Exercise Specialist to join the Healthy Lifestyle Program. The Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Specialist, acting in accordance with the meal plan and activity suggestions set forth by a Healthy Lifestyle Dietitian, shall have responsibility for assessing current fitness/activity levels and recommending an individualized plan of action towards incorporating more activity into the client's daily routine, with the goal of improving overall fitness.

Job Overview

The Exercise Specialist shall have the responsibility for assessing the physical fitness level of clients, determining current strength and inquiring about any medical conditions, tailoring specific goals to meet their needs. Once a workout plan has been designed, the Exercise Specialist will walk a client through each exercise, serving as a motivator, keeping the client focused and engaged. Throughout the determined workout regimen, the Exercise Specialist will record the client's progress, modifying the workout routine as needed. The Specialist may teach classes or work one-on-one with clients to interpret the results of workout plan.

What You’ll Do

Provide leadership in supporting and interpreting the mission of CMAP in response to addressing the need for an exercise program for interested clients through CMAP’s diet and physical activity program.

• Meet one-on-one with clients to address their specific physical activity needs and establish goals and objectives.
• To create, guide and implement the exercise program specific to each individuals’ needs.
• To maintain regular contacts with clients to create individual goals and to monitor successes and provide regular encouragement.
• Provide feedback to dietitians on progress of clients.
• Initiate and maintain contacts with physicians and their staff.
• Conduct informational/recruitment meetings and workshops with local businesses and physician’s offices that are interested in referring employees and patients for services.
• Coordinate & conduct, along with Registered Dietitian, the Healthy Lifestyle Program Groups Sessions once a month.
• Travel to Parishes within our service area to meet with Healthy Lifestyle Program clients.
• Create and implement community-based exercise activities, workshops or clinics throughout the year, for community awareness of the educational services the Healthy Lifestyle Program has to offer.
• Research, review and recommend program and service updates for approval.
• All other activities and duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications 

• A four-year degree in physical education, exercise science, or a related field of study is preferable.
• Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid is required, plus Personal Training certification from an organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) and two to four years of experience as a personal trainer is preferred.
• Strong interest in physical activity and education.
• Excellent teacher, possessing the patience to educate and motivate others.
• Excellent communication skills, both listening and speaking.
• Must not only be able to explain a workout routine, but it is equally imperative that clients' wishes and goals are understood.

Position Details

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8-hour shifts
• Location: In-person (Travel required throughout the nine-parish service area).
• Apply Today: Please submit your resume and salary requirements to jobs@rapidesfoundation.org. Note: To keep our team focused on our clients, we do not accept phone calls regarding this position.

Ready to make a difference in Central Louisiana? We can’t wait to meet you.