Falls Prevention Trainer

PSS•New York, NY

16d

About The Position

Make a difference in the lives of New York City’s older adults, their families and the community. For over 50 years PSS has performed vital and important work -- through its ten centers, two apartment buildings, caregiver services, and affiliated programs, the agency touches the lives of over 2,000 people a day. The Falls Prevention Trainer will deliver evidence-based falls prevention programs to older adults (60+) and adults with disabilities across New York City, with a focus on low-income, Spanish-speaking, and other linguistically diverse communities served by PSS’s centers, residences, partners, and PSS Life! University hybrid platform. This position is exclusively training- and education-focused and does not provide case management, clinical services, or long-term service coordination. This role is grant-funded for one year and may be extended subject to continued or additional funding. This position reports to the Director of Life University RESPONSIBILITIES: The Falls Prevention Trainer is responsible for implementing PSS’s “Building Balance for Improved Falls Prevention in NYC and Surrounding Boroughs” initiative by delivering group classes and workshops using evidence-based curricula such as A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, and Stepping On. Working in English and Spanish, the Trainer will lead engaging, accessible sessions in PSS centers, residences, partner sites, and online to help participants reduce falls risk, increase confidence, and safely remain in their homes and communities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1–2 years of experience delivering group education, fitness, or health promotion programs, preferably with older adults and/or adults with disabilities.
Experience working in community-based NYC settings such as older adult centers, affordable housing, or CBOs serving low-income communities.
Fluency in English and Spanish (or other designated language) required; must be able to speak, read, and write both languages at a professional level.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate full workshops, interpret participant questions, and explain health concepts clearly in both languages, including to people who speak English “less than very well.”
Strong cultural humility and experience working effectively with low-income older adults, many of whom are people of color, immigrants, and/or have limited formal education.
Excellent group facilitation and public speaking skills; able to create an engaging, welcoming environment that encourages participation and peer support.
Ability to explain falls risk and prevention strategies in everyday language and connect material to participants’ home environments and daily routines.
Comfort leading gentle movement, exercise, and balance activities, with an emphasis on safety and appropriate progression for a range of abilities.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple class series, sites, virtual sessions, and data/reporting deadlines.
Basic to intermediate computer skills, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom) to support hybrid service delivery and Section 508–aligned practices.
Regular travel across NYC (especially Bronx and Manhattan; expansion to all five boroughs) using public transportation to PSS centers, residences, and partner locations.
Ability to stand, move, and demonstrate exercises for extended periods, with reasonable accommodations as needed.
Ability to carry program materials and lightweight equipment (up to ~25 pounds).

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in health education, public health, exercise science, gerontology, social work, or related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Prior experience with evidence-based programs (e.g., chronic disease self-management, falls prevention, Tai Chi, or similar) strongly preferred, or willingness to be trained and certified.

Responsibilities

Deliver evidence-based falls prevention classes (e.g., A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Stepping On) in person and virtually, following curriculum fidelity and program standards.
Work with the Director to scope the falls prevention education needs of PSS and local community audiences; and coordinate the scheduling and delivery of falls prevention trainings.
Facilitate interactive education on falls risk factors (home hazards, medications, footwear, vision, chronic conditions), tailored to the lived experiences of low-income and linguistically diverse older adults.
Lead strength, balance, and flexibility activities appropriate to each curriculum and participants’ functional levels, with clear safety instructions and modifications.
Provide brief, non-clinical 1:1 educational support (not case management) before/after sessions to reinforce key messages and help participants set simple, practical action steps.
Deliver all classes and workshops bilingually (English and Spanish/other required language), including group facilitation, Q&A, and participant support.
Adapt teaching methods and materials for varying literacy, language proficiency, cognitive status, and cultural backgrounds, ensuring content is accessible and respectful.
Coordinate with PSS centers, residences, and external partner sites to schedule classes, support recruitment, and ensure adequate space, technology, and materials.
Use PSS’s marketing templates and communication channels to help promote classes in collaboration with outreach and program staff.
Administer and accurately collect all required program data: attendance, pre/post assessments, satisfaction surveys, and other outcome measures, in line with funder and evaluation requirements.
Enter and maintain participant and class data in PSS systems and support preparation of reports on participation, completion rates, and outcomes.
Participate in required training, certification, and re-certification for evidence-based falls prevention programs and Section 508–compliant hybrid delivery.
Attend regular supervision and team meetings to review progress toward goals (sites, participants, completion, outcomes) and to continuously improve program quality.