Specialist Activity Instructor

Specialist Activity Instructor

Fairthorne Manor, Curdridge

37.5 hours per week

£23,322 per annum FTE

1st May 2024 to 10th November 2024

Benefits to you:

• Employer pension contribution
• 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)
• 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

Job Purpose:

Based at YMCA Fairthorne Manor and is a key member of the Programme Team. You will play an important role in the training, assessment and line management of our activity leaders made up of apprentices and volunteers. You will be responsible for instructing, supervising land-based activities on site. These include Fire lighting, blind trail, Archery and orienteering and any activities added to the programme of delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To provide a high standard of instruction across a range of different outdoor activities for people from two years old to adults, with differing abilities, including those with special needs.
• Implement and review good practice with development of instructional standards through mentoring and being a role model.
• Provide exceptional customer care whilst mentoring others to do the same.
• To fulfil the ‘Duty Manager’ role, linking with group prior to their arrival, ensuring everything is properly prepared and then ensuring their welfare for the duration 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 take responsibility for the maintenance, safety and development of given areas and activities within the department, including its equipment.
• To take responsibility for equipment checks and keep robust records of these tasks.
• To supervise activity leaders and volunteers as required and as reasonable to this position.
• To assist the outdoor management team with the staff training programme as appropriate and contribute towards its overall development.
• To act in the interests of your own safety and the safety of others at all times.
• To perform any reasonable request that is deemed suitable.
• To follow YMCA Fairthorne Groups Safeguarding, Child Protection and Safer Working practice policies at all times.

• Taking any concerns regarding a health or/and wellbeing to your line manager or senior management

Person Specification & Key Competencies:

Personal attributes

• Genuine enthusiasm for the work of the organisation and the care of children and young people.
• Ability to communicate well and engage with a wide range of people, including children, staff and group leaders.
• Ability and willingness to relate positively to customers (many of whom are children), parents, carers and staff. 
• An aptitude for supervising a team of activity staff and volunteers
• A committed approach to the development of the activity programme at Fairthorne Manor
• An ability to deal with issues effectively and calmly as they arise
• A sound understanding of effective customer service

Qualifications/Experience

Essential:

• Archery GB Instructor
• Minimum 16-Hour First Aid Certificate
• At least 2 years experience working in outdoor education or similar environment
• Extensive experience of working with children and young people
• Current knowledge of education sector and outdoor learning with other groups

Desirable:

• Recognised Axe throwing qualification
• European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) High Ropes Instructor
• Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI)
• Paddlesport Instructor
• Any other NGB Instructing qualifications

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.