Chief Instructor

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:                     CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

RESPONSIBLE TO:           Centre Director (CEO) / Centre Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR:         Primarily Instructional Team members but others as tasks dictate.

WORKS WITH:                 Senior Leadership Team.

KEY ROLES:

• To plan and execute the delivery of all adventurous activities, outdoor education and staff training.

• To lead by setting a positive example on activity and training sessions.

• To take responsibility for the planning and staffing of activity programmes.  This includes liaising with group leaders and fellow members of the Senior Leadership Team.

• To take a lead role in the development of the centre and staff team.

• To be responsible for the design and delivery of the Trainee Instructor Programme and mentor participants.

• To contribute to the Christian nature of our work through an active and enthusiastic faith that seeks to encourage and build others up within the team context.  To plan and lead staff fellowship on a rota basis.

SPECIFICALLY:      

• To be able and willing to lead any session and perform any duty that is asked of an instructor, and to do so to a high standard.  To undertake further training and assessment where necessary to achieve this.
• To take responsibility for the planning and staffing of the outdoor learning program and make decisions about instructional staff’s holiday in liaison with the Centre Director.
• To take responsibility for the daily supervision and execution of the activity program and make decisions about it in the absence of the Centre Director involving other members of the SLT when doing so.
• To be a visible presence at the centre and be available to welcome guests to the centre where required
• To actively develop new opportunities for outdoor learning and Christian witness.
• To develop and actively promote educational content with activity sessions to link delivery to the national curriculum where required.
• To seek out opportunities for Christian Ministry for our groups, always ensuring this is offered when a programme is being prepared.
• To take responsibility for the centre minibuses and ensure daily and periodic safety checks are completed and recorded.
• To plan and co-ordinate the staff training throughout the year so that all members of the instructional team are using and developing their skills and talents fully.
• To encourage the instructional staff, keep written records of what they have done, and to meet with them at appropriate intervals to discuss their progress.
• To ensure that all safety kit is regularly checked and logged, and that all instructional staff are fully trained in the use, safety features and maintenance of any equipment, that is necessary for a session that they are working on. To keep the Centre Director appraised of the situation and request additional resources where necessary.
• Authorise staff members to borrow centre kit for personal use and be aware of the limits of this authority.  To consult Centre Director if unsure.
• To be aware of what equipment the centre owns and alert the Centre Director to what equipment needs to be purchased.To train the instructional team to identify and protect against potential hazards: and to review risk assessments on all sessions and communicate changes to other staff accordingly.
• To demonstrate a level of involvement in outdoor activities in your own time and show enthusiasm and commitment to your outdoor interests.
• Other duties as directed by the Centre Director.

The Chief Instructor is also expected to be willing to fulfil all parts of the Instructors’ Job Description as required:

• To provide a positive role model and set a good example to the guests.

• To assist with the running and organisation of the Outdoor Activities.
• To ensure high standards of instruction in all sessions.
• To keep up to date with NGB guidelines and practices and attend workshops as necessary.
• To identify potential hazards associated with each activity.
• To ensure that written procedures for each activity are read regularly.
• To maintain standards of equipment and report all faults immediately.
• To observe the correct use and care of equipment.
• To report any accidents or close calls immediately.
• To read and have understood the Centre handbook and Standard Operation Procedures / Risk Assessments. The Standard Operation Procedures / Risk Assessments must be followed.
• To assist in the evening activity programme.
• To enjoy and make the most of their term of employment at CMC Adventure.
• To ensure that advice is sought from Centre Director as required.

Hours Flexible but based on 8.45am - 5.00pm. The nature of working at the Centre sometimes precludes this and therefore a flexible approach to working hours is necessary. The 40 hours per week do not include the additional duties e.g. breakfast duty, evening ministry etc.  There is an element of seasonal variation.

The Chief Instructor position is a senior leadership role.  As such, additional tasks and responsibilities will occur.  Therefore, it is understood that the Chief Instructor may not programme themselves on additional duties e.g. breakfast duty, evening ministry etc. on a weekly basis but must be willing to assist in these areas when business dictates.