The Exercise Therapist will provide exercise programming, guidance and motivation to HSL LTCH patients involved in the Circle of Fitness (CoF) gym–based program and other LTCH
Restorative Exercise programs. The position may include participation in, and support of, the Rubenstein Unit-Based Exercise (RUBEX) program and exercise supervision of clients enrolled in Hebrew Rehabilitation Center’s “Get Up & Go” Outpatient exercise program.
In the absence of the Immediate Supervisor, the Exercise Therapist will be supported and supervised by the Manager of Outpatient Exercise and Wellness.

Core Competencies

• Must be able to communicate effectively with a diverse population.

• Must demonstrate competence in retrieving information from the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

• Must be able to articulate and document pertinent information regarding patients exercise prescription and progress in accordance with professional standards and guidelines.

• Must be able to accurately enter resident exercise information into the Patient Care System (PCS) on a daily basis.

Position Responsibilities

•  Conducts physical performance evaluations and functional testing with resident participants in the CoF exercise program.

•  Develops individualized exercise programs for CoF gym participants utilizing the principles of progressive resistance training (PRT).

•  Provides coaching in proper exercise technique to patients for maximal strength, endurance and functional exercise benefit.

•  Communicates with team members and appropriate resident care staff regarding medical or other changes noted during exercise sessions.

•  Must be able to identify contraindications and/or modifications in order to practice safe exercise programming.

• Leads or provides support to leaders of RUBEX group exercise classes on households/floors.

• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to NuStep training and progression on resident households/floors.

• Travels between HSL CLF exercise programs in Roslindale and Dedham, if necessary.

• Attends monthly CLF staff meeting.

Essential Job Functions

• Caring Practices

• Practices acts of kindness.

• Treats others courteously and with respect.

• Performs work responsibilities in a friendly, professional manner.

• Develops helpful and trusting relationships with patients, families and staff.

• Promotes and accepts the expression of both negative and positive feelings.

• Uses creative problem-solving to meet the needs of others.

• Performs teaching and learning that addresses individual needs and learning styles.

• Assists with basic physical emotional and spiritual needs.

• Communication

• Introduces self to patients/families and explain role in care.

• Demonstrates to patients and their families that you are “emotionally” present by listening attentively and attending to concerns/needs.

• Acts as an advocate on behalf of patients as needed or appropriate.

• Communicates with patients/families/visitors/staff in a manner that conveys respect, caring and sensitivity.

• Listens and respects others’ opinions.

• Accountable for staying informed by reviewing memos, emails and other forms of communication.

• Responsible for communicating and responding to issues and problems within the household/floor in a timely and efficient manner.

• Responds to patients in all situations with a calm, sensitive and supportive approach.

Teamwork/Collaboration and Flexibility

• Is flexible to the needs of the household/floors, the department and HRC.

• Acts in a manner outside the traditional “role” as needed in order to meet patients’ needs.

• Works as a member of the team by pro-actively striving to meet resident and household/floor needs.

• Promotes a healthy household environment by demonstrating trust, mutual respect, visible support and open, honest communication with all members of the team.

• Involves other team members by constantly sharing information.

• Is aware of and respects others’ cultures, values, and backgrounds and considers differences when communicating and providing care

Leadership/Development

• Monitors student interns and volunteers, incorporating their assistance into exercise/fitness programs according to their abilities.

• Seeks opportunity for professional development by attending internal and trainings, educational programs and conferences.

Safety

• Practices in accordance with established standards of care for safety of resident/patient, self and co-workers.

• Identifies and reports basic safety issues or problems (ex. spills) and takes action whenever appropriate.

• Identifies and reports errors/potential errors according to policy.

• Uses equipment as trained and according to organizational policy.

• Identifies malfunctioning equipment, removes from use, and reports according to policy.

• Adheres to all infection control policies.

• Promotes the health and safety of all by following established infection control procedures (i.e., hand washing, use of personal protective equipment).

Physical Requirements

• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances,

• which may include exposure to unpleasant odors, sights, and sounds.

• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.

• May be exposed to infections, contagious diseases and blood borne pathogens.

• Gloves, gown, and mask as necessary.

• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing or walking.

• Positioning, transporting and/or transferring patients.

• Lifting supplies, equipment.

• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related health field such as Exercise Science or Allied Health.

• Two to six months of prior experience providing clinical exercise

• programming for older adults in an LTCH and/or community setting.

• Excellent critical assessment skills.

• Proficient verbal, written and computer skills

• ACSM Health Fitness Instructor or Exercise Specialist certification

• encouraged.