Athletic Trainer

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Athletic Trainer develops, implements and maintains comprehensive health care programs for patients, clients and athletes. The practice of athletic training includes injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organizational and professional health and well-being of individuals under the direction of a physician. Under the direction of a physician, the Athletic Trainer is placed in various sites for provision of services including, but not limited to, high school/college/university outreach programming, community events and engagement, and physician clinic. In collaboration with and under the general supervision of a licensed physical therapist, the Athletic Trainer assists in provision of physical medicine and rehabilitation services to patients as prescribed by overseeing physician.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Under the direction and direct supervision of a physician or sports staff physical therapist, provides physical medicine and rehabilitation services to patents.
• Develops and implements sports-specific performance training and strength and conditioning programming for local athletes.
• Serves as an educator, consultant, sports performance instructor, strength and conditioning specialist for the community.
• Monitors measures for customer service and clinical quality.
• Organizes and performs community presentations on sports injury prevention, body mechanics and performance enhancement directed at community youth, high school, collegiate and professional athletes.
• Facilitates and maintains relationship between SJMG Sports Medicine and school athletic trainers by way of programs (clinics, screenings, training camps).
• Facilitates a smooth continuum of patient care between Physicians, Physical Therapists and Sports Performance staff.
• Collaborates with the physician regarding patient’s plan of care.
• Instructs patients with home exercise programs and monitors patient’s physical therapy progress including gait training, therapeutic exercises, rehabilitation and conditioning programs. Provides patient education materials.
• Assists clinical staff with the operation of the clinic, including rooming patients, order entry (under the supervision of the physician), physical therapy scheduling, injection preparation, general paperwork and chart preparation.
• Prepares athletes for practice or competition, including taping, bracing and bandaging. Attends games, competitions and tournaments. Evaluates injuries to determine their management and possible referral to the physicians.
• Markets the sports medicine program under the direction of Service Line Administrator and program director.
• Responds to patient emergencies as needed.
• Cleans work area, examination rooms and equipment as needed; performs limited maintenance of equipment.
• Documents patient information in a timely and accurate manner to ensure continuity of high-quality health care.
• Performs other duties as assigned and works within the scope of State of Michigan Athletic Trainer licensure.
  

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Creates a positive, professional, service-oriented work environment for staff, patients and family members by supporting the IHA CARES mission and core values statement.
• Must be able to work effectively as a member of the patient care team.
• Successfully completes IHA’s “The Customer” training and adheres to IHA’s standard of promptly providing a high level of service and respect to internal or external customers.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with IHA standards, policies and procedures, including IHA’s Employee Handbook.
• Maintains complete knowledge of office services and in the use of all relevant office equipment, computer, and manual systems.
• Maintains strict patient and employee confidentiality in compliance with IHA and HIPAA guidelines
• Serves as a role model, by demonstrating exceptional ability and willingness to take on new and additional responsibilities. Embraces new ideas and respects cultural differences.
• Uses resources efficiently.
• If applicable, responsible for ongoing professional development – maintains appropriate licensure/certification and continuing education credentials, participates in available learning opportunities.
  

MEASURED BY:

Performance that meets or exceeds IHA CARES Values expectation as outlined in IHA Performance Review document, relative to position.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine or related field.

CREDENTIALS/LICENSURE:

• Current State of Michigan Athletic Trainer License.
• Membership in or eligibility for membership in National Athletic Trainers Association.
• Valid CPR certification.
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) preferred.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Minimum five (5) years’ experience in Sports Medicine.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ABILITIES & SKILLS):

• Knowledge of patient care and organizational policies related to position responsibilities.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations related to position responsibilities.
• Proficient/knowledgeable in medical terminology.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations needed during the course of performing essential job duties.
• Proficient in operating a standard desktop and Windows-based computer system, including but not limited to, electronic medical records, email, e-learning, intranet, Microsoft Word and Excel, and computer navigation. Ability to use other software as required while performing the essential functions of the job.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms, including proper phone etiquette.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; courteous and friendly demeanor.
• Ability to work effectively with various levels of organizational members and diverse populations including IHA staff, providers, patients, family members, hospital staff, Non-IHA providers and their staff.
• Ability to cross-train in other areas of practice in order to achieve smooth flow of all operations.
• Good organizational and time management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle patient and organizational information in a confidential manner.
• Knowledge of the compliance aspects of clinical care and patient privacy and best practices in medical office operations.
• Successful completion of IHA competency-based program within introductory and training period.
• Flexibility in hours to meet deadlines or patients’ schedules. Availability for some weekend and/or evening services or programs.
• Ability to travel to other office/practice sites, meeting/training locations, games, competitions and tournaments.
  

MINIMUM PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Physical activity that often requires keyboarding, phone work and charting.
• Physical activity that often requires extensive time working on a computer.
• Physical activity that often requires handling and lifting patients walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, kneeling and/or twisting.
• Physical activity that often requires lifting, pushing and/or pulling over 50 lbs.
• Physical activity that sometimes requires lifting, pushing and/or pulling up to 100 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment.
• Must hear and speak well enough to conduct business over the telephone or face to face for long periods of time in English.

MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPECTATIONS:

This job operates in a medical facility and requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital/clinic. Employees will be working where there is patient care equipment. Hazardous materials, including bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids are also present. Exposure to sharps, x-rays, patients' conditions and some unpleasant sights, smells and contagious diseases is possible. This position requires significant interaction with people (many of whom are scared, hurt and/or ill) which can be stressful and result in competing priorities.