Recreation Assistant (Yoga Instructor)

Veterans Health Administration • Tomah, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Yoga Instructors independently provide yoga instruction for Veterans in a health care setting and report to a Supervisory Yoga Instructor, clinical provider, member of the Whole Health team, or other qualified individual as assigned. They independently handle professional and technical work, plan and organize their work, and coordinate with staff and management as appropriate.

The role involves leading individual and group well-being classes that promote, preserve, or restore health and well-being, and supporting participants in achieving their goals. Instructors adapt classes to participants’ physical, mental, or behavioral needs, use trauma-sensitive language and clear verbal and visual cues, and prepare safe class sequences involving grounding, warm-ups, cool-downs, postures, breathing, meditation, or relaxation. They maintain a safe and organized yoga space, inspect equipment and props, communicate safety concerns, and use technology for virtual instruction.

Yoga Instructors collaborate with health care team members to integrate movement into Veterans’ personal health plans. They document progress in electronic medical records, communicate with providers, and use appropriate service coding and tracking. They may create educational or marketing materials, promote classes and events, mentor trainees or volunteers, and attend required professional and facility-level training and meetings. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-5 or GS-6. Salary ranges listed are GS-5: $40,736 to $52,995 and GS-6: $45,409 to $59,031.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy for non-citizens.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Possess one of the following: E-RYT 200 or E-RYT-500 registration with Yoga Alliance; C-IAYT certification; or RYT 200 or RYT 500 registration with Yoga Alliance for GS-5 only.
• For GS-5: At least three months of creditable experience gained after completing a minimum 200-hour yoga teaching training program.
• For GS-5: Knowledge of virtual platforms; ability to adapt yoga practices to participant needs; teach poses, breathing, and mindfulness; communicate instructions using verbal and visual cues; maintain a safe yoga environment; communicate participant needs to appropriate professionals; use software to document participation; and create a class schedule.
• For GS-6: At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-5, including adapting and teaching yoga for participants with physical, mental, or behavioral health conditions; using English posture terminology and trauma-sensitive language; sequencing classes safely; and maintaining a safe yoga space.
• For GS-6: Skill in adapting yoga practices for varied participants and conditions, conducting group and individual classes, and sequencing classes safely.
• For GS-6: Ability to instruct yoga in health care settings, conduct equipment inspections to initiate work orders, mentor other instructors, collaborate with health care team members, and use technology for virtual instruction.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Subject to background/security investigation and, for tentatively selected applicants in testing-designated positions, pre-employment urinalysis.
• Must complete the required online onboarding and application documentation.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Teach individual and group yoga classes, adapting practices and using cues, modifications, and props to support safety, alignment, and participants’ well-being.
• Conduct engaging well-being classes that support participants in achieving their goals.
• Prepare appropriate class sequences, including grounding, warm-ups, cool-downs, postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation.
• Use English terminology for postures and trauma-sensitive language, with clear verbal and visual cues and instructions.
• Follow safety protocols for sanitizing, setting up, and maintaining the yoga space.
• Ensure props and reusable medical equipment are safe, organized, and available; conduct regular equipment inspections.
• Recognize and communicate safety concerns to the supervisor and appropriate health care team members.
• Use technology and equipment to provide virtual instruction.
• Collaborate with the health care team to integrate movement into Veterans’ personal health plans.
• Document progress in electronic medical records, communicate with providers, and use appropriate coding and service tracking.
• May develop educational and marketing materials, support promotional efforts, and encourage participation in classes, special events, and community programs.
• May mentor lower-level Yoga Instructor trainees or volunteers.
• Keep up to date with VA and professional training and attend required professional and facility-level meetings.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Prior federal or military service may be creditable toward annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed