What are the responsibilities and job description for the Group Fitness Trainer (CPT) Part-Time position at National Capital Treatment and Recovery?
Description
Part-Time Fitness Trainer (Substance Use Recovery Programs)
Location: Arlington, VA
Organization: National Capital Treatment & Recovery (formerly Phoenix House)
Pay: $28–$35/hour, with potential for higher compensation based on experience, degrees, and relevant certifications
Schedule: Every other weekend, Saturday & Sunday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
National Capital Treatment & Recovery, a nonprofit substance use treatment facility, is seeking a Certified Personal Trainer to lead wellness and fitness programming for adults in recovery. This is a part-time role working with clients at our Adult Men’s residential program in Arlington, VA as the primary location, with participants from our other programs attending sessions throughout the week as well.
We are looking for a trainer who is passionate about helping people rebuild their physical health and confidence in recovery. The ideal candidate has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying fitness levels, and can adapt programming to meet the emotional and physical needs of clients in an unpredictable, therapeutic setting.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead group fitness sessions tailored for individuals in recovery.
- Incorporate a variety of equipment and training styles, including TRX and bodyweight-based programming.
- Adjust and modify sessions in real-time based on client needs, energy levels, or group dynamics.
- Create a supportive, motivational atmosphere that encourages participation and self-efficacy.
- Collaborate with clinical and program staff to support overall client well-being.
What We’re Looking For:
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) – required.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field – preferred.
- Experience working with individuals in substance use recovery, behavioral health, or similar high-need environments.
- Confident leading group-based workouts with diverse fitness abilities.
- Skilled in creating structure while being flexible and responsive to changing circumstances.
- Able to maintain healthy professional boundaries in a recovery setting.
This is an opportunity to make a real impact by integrating physical wellness into the healing journey of our clients. If you’re creative, resilient, and ready to bring purpose to your programming, we’d love to hear from you.
Preferred:
Experience working with adults with mental health issues/substance use disorders.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work with adult patients of all fitness levels, with an emphasis on proper technique and functional movements
- Demonstrate how to carry out various exercises and routines
- Watch patients do exercises and show or tell them correct techniques to minimize injury and improve fitness
- Give alternative exercises during workouts or classes for different levels of fitness and skill
- Monitor patients’ progress and adapt programs as needed
- Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations on sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment
- Give patients information or resources about nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues and their application to substance use recovery
- Design workouts activate the neuroendocrine response (responsible for the “runner’s high”)
- Provide education on maintaining a healthy lifestyle which may also minimize drug cravings, serve as a positive distraction and is a beneficial way to structure the day without using drugs or alcohol
- Administer fitness assessments
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
REGULARLY REQUIRED: to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
OCCASIONALLY REQUIRED: to stand, walk, stoop, kneel or crouch and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
The work environment is that of a substance abuse treatment milieu which may include:
- Exposure to clients infected with Hepatitis B, HIV, TB, or other Infectious Diseases
NCTR is a equal opportunity employer
Salary : $28 - $35
