FUNCTION: The Lead Adapted Exercise Specialist is responsible for taking a leadership role in the design and implementation of health and wellness programs for people with disabilities and older adults to empower individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals and reduce secondary health conditions. The Lead Adapted Exercise Specialist acts as a team leader, providing guidance and serving as a resource for other staff. This position will be responsible for providing direct services to Stephen A. Orthwein Center members.

PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Service Delivery

• Perform appropriate assessment of participants, including review of medical history, to develop comprehensive health and wellness plans that incorporate the participant's goals and are directed toward reducing health risks and improving health status.
• Guide and serve as a resource for Adapted Exercise Specialists and Exercise Assistants in implementing health and wellness plans for participants.
• Demonstrate skill in sharing the benefits of health and wellness services, acting as a strong ambassador for attracting new participants and keeping existing participants engaged.
• Develop and implement individualized exercise plans for one-on-one training participants.
• Assist participants as needed with exercises, including transfers, set up on adapted exercise equipment, and guidance on appropriate exercises.
• Monitor participant technique and progress with exercises.
• Utilize adaptive technology to maximize participant engagement in exercise.
• Demonstrate expertise in use of fitness principles and technology to serve as a resource to staff and members.
• Demonstrate understanding of injury and disease functions common to participants.
• Monitor cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular changes due to exercise including pain, fatigue, and skin changes.
• Assist with administrative tasks, such as checking in members and accepting payments, as needed.

Documentation

• Maintain exercise participant files to ensure that all documentation is filed in the participant file
• Complete all monthly, quarterly and annual paperwork by assigned deadlines
• Document participant case notes in an efficient and professional manner using Paraquad's database.
• Maintain assigned participant files in accordance with defined deadlines and procedures
• Gather accurate data for program evaluation and reporting purposes by assigned deadlines

Student Supervision

• Supervise and provide clinical guidance to students in occupational/physical therapy, exercise science, and related fields.
• Assess learning needs of students and coordinate appropriate training as needed.
• Perform quality assurance checks to ensure quality service delivery and accurate record keeping.

Program Development

• Develop and deliver education programs for participants and their families on health and wellness related topics.
• Contribute to establishment of standards of practice to ensure exceptional care and translate evidence-based medicine into a community-based context.
• Assist Health and Wellness Director in establishing policies and procedures based on best practices in the area of rehabilitation and fitness.
• Develop and lead adapted group fitness classes.
• Organize and communicate fieldwork and clinical students with contracted schools and provide educational oversight of students.

Independent Living Services

• Provide assistance to participants to help them plan and achieve personal goals.
• Establish rapport with participants in order to assist with determination of the need for additional services.
• Refer participants to Paraquad's other programs and services as needed.

Miscellaneous

• Demonstrate understanding of and commitment to the independent living philosophy.
• Protect participant's rights to privacy and confidentiality in all forms of communication.
• Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings.
• Assist to fulfill program outreach and education functions as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Organization
• Written/Oral Communication
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Multi-Tasking
• Professionalism
• Team Oriented
• Customer Services
• Computer Literacy in Microsoft Office Programs and Database Environment
• Knowledge of Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Secondary Conditions of Disability

MINIMUM LEVEL OF PREPARATION AND TRAINING NORMALLY REQUIRED:

• Degree in health-related Field (i.e. OT, PT)
• Certification/Registration of Current Missouri License
• At least one year of experience preferred

COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:

Attendance of staff meetings to review weekly and monthly reports and project timelines. Daily use of email, document contacts, and other efforts.

WORKING HOURS and CONDITIONS:

Hours of work are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., 40 hours per week. Occasional flexibility with additional professional trainings and meetings as needed.

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to computers, office copiers, printers, and phone systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This role requires the employee to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time. The employee may spend considerable time stooping, kneeling, and crouching while assisting participants on and off machines. This role may require moving heavy equipment. The employee must be able to lift 50 pounds. Moving, lifting, or transferring of participants may involve lifting up to 100 pounds with secondary person or lift system. This role also requires use of hands to handle or feel and talk or hear.

TRAVEL:

Based out of Paraquad's office in St. Louis City, MO, this position requires travel within 30 miles of the office and further as necessary.

This job description is not intended to cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Additionally, this job description does not constitute a contract of employment, and the company may exercise its employment-at-will right at any time.

Paraquad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual's sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. We are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our employees proudly reflect the diversity and ideas of the communities we serve.

Accommodation: If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact Barb Cant at 314-289-4200 or bcant@paraquad.org with the nature of your accommodation request.

Successful drug screen and background check required.