Activity Instructor

Activity Instructor - Permanent

Fairthorne Manor, Curdridge

Up to £24,824 per annum

37.5 hours per week

Benefits to you:

• Employer pension contribution
• Health Cash plan
• 25 days holiday FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• Option to purchase additional annual leave (up to 10 days per annum)
• Celebration Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with Health Assured
• 50% discount on nursery fees
• Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
• Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunities for professional development  

Job Purpose:

Based at YMCA Fairthorne Manor you will be a key member of the programme team and play a key role in the delivery of outdoor programmes.  You will be responsible for leading on a variety of outdoor activities on site, these activities include but are not limited to; Abseiling, Aerial runway, Archery, Axe throwing, Climbing, Crate Challenge, Jacobs Ladder, Vertical Assault, Kayaking, Canoeing, Challenge and Woodland activities and any new activities added to the programme of delivery.  You will provide a positive example of delivery leadership and ensure best practice is delivered in all activities at the centre.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To provide a high standard of activity leadership across a range of different outdoor activities for people from 2 years old to adult, with differing abilities, including those with special needs.
• Implement and review good practice
• Provide exceptional customer care whilst mentoring others to do the same
• To fulfil both the ‘Duty Manager’ and the ‘Hosting’ role, linking with groups on their arrival, ensuring everything is properly prepared and then ensuring their welfare for the duration of their visit.  This involves staying at Fairthorne Manor outside normal working hours during duty weeks and this responsibility is allocated on a rota system.
• To assist with the maintenance, safety and development of activities within the department, including its equipment.
• To assist and complete equipment checks and support the process of robust records of these tasks
• To support the Activities Manager in reviewing the quality and effectiveness of our programme and its delivery to ensure we continue to meet the needs of children and young people using our site.
• To provide general support to the Programme Department, ensuring its smooth running and to aid the development and growth of the organisation.
• To deliver evening entertainment activities and support duties in the dining room ensuring smooth delivery of the programme

Person Specification & Key Competencies

Personal attributes

• A genuine enthusiasm for the work of the organisation
• An outgoing and friendly personality
• Outstanding ability to communicate well and engage a wide range of people, including children, staff and group leaders
• An outstanding ability and willingness to relate positively to customers (many of whom are children) and staff
• An ability to supervise outdoor activity with a range of age groups and abilities
• A committed approach to the development of the activity programme at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
• An ability to deal with issues effectively and calmly as they arise
• An ability to use own initiative
• A sound understanding of effective customer service

Qualifications/Experience

Essential (or willing to work towards):

• At least 1 year experience working in outdoor education or similar environment.
• At least two of the following NGBs:
  • First Aid qualification (minimum 16 hours)
  • Climbing Wall Instructor inc. Abseil module
  • Archery GB Instructor
  • ERCA High Ropes Instructor
  • Paddlesport Instructor
• Experience of working with children and families of all ages and abilities.
• Experience of leading or supervising teams of staff or volunteers in a community, youth, educational or sporting environment.
• Experience of leading or working with groups, in an outdoor, sporting or events environment. 
• Ability and the skills to lead a variety of sessions to children and young people.

Desirable:

Any of the following NGBs:

• Kayak & Canoe Coach
• ERCA Generic Rescuer
• Recognised Axe Throwing Certificate
• Recognised Bushcraft certificate

Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.

Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continue to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.