Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)

Fraser Health•Abbotsford, BC

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and code of conduct as outlined by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and the American College of Sports Medicine. This position delivers client-centred one to one or group physical activity information and teaching within a self-care supportive framework, advice, wayfinding, counselling, care coordination and consultative services to adult clients with acute, rehabilitative, chronic, or palliative health care needs in community-based settings. Clients may include pre-surgical adult candidates, that have weight challenges, who are at an increased risk for developing or are currently living with chronic conditions. The CEP conducts assessments, develops, and reviews care plans and prescribed activation plans and supports to implement an individual exercise prescription and mobility care plan for each patient assisting clients to reach their mobility, fitness, and lifestyle goals. All this in collaboration with the interprofessional team including family physicians, nurse practitioners, and other nursing and allied health professionals. Care is based on goals and outcomes determined in collaboration with the client and caregivers in order to provide safe and quality client care. Similarly, provides support and education to caregivers and interprofessional team regarding rehabilitation interventions, advocates for clients with community agencies and funding sources. The CEP reports to the Team Lead/Manager or designate and practices in collaboration with interprofessional team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, or Exercise Sciences from a recognized program.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist Certification with either the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) or the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Two (2) recent years of relevant experience as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with experience in physical-activity related education, chronic disease management or behavioural counselling acquired in a variety of settings or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Valid BC Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes.
Demonstrates knowledge and ability needed for clinical assessment of clients, education and counselling skills acquired in research, hospital, community and/or private practice settings.
Demonstrated understanding of the scope of practice of other healthcare disciplines.
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources.
Ability to practice in a tele-health environment.
Demonstrated team player with strong interpersonal communication skills.
Skills in interviewing, counseling, coaching and behavior change techniques.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently, manage a varied workload and problem solve.
Ability to problem solve and exercise judgment in professional practice.
Demonstrated leadership and teaching skills.
Ability to build high functioning collaborative relationships with team members and clients.
Ability to deliver services in a culturally safe and sensitive environment.
Ability to adapt to changing work environments.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing with demonstrated knowledge and application of plain language principles.
Ability to deal effectively with conflict.
Ability to operate related equipment, including applicable software applications and virtually enabled technology.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

Provides client-centred, evidence-informed physical activity information, advice, guidance, counselling, therapeutic recommendations, and safety precautions within a self-care supportive framework in accordance with the professional standards and code of ethics as outlined by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Assesses clients by conducting health screening and physical activity clearance using evidence-informed tools for appropriate risk stratification that determines a safe level of physical activity and provides recommendations for individualized physical activity information including assessing and evaluating patient/client functional status and risk factors.
Develops a tailored exercise program to individuals at risk of or living with chronic conditions. Counsels patients and their families regarding lifestyle changes, active living exercise program guidelines, the principles of training and the value of a home exercise program. Using evidence-informed techniques, tools, and frameworks, including identifying and overcoming barriers, action planning, goal setting, and relapse planning.
Monitors patients/clients during exercise training, modifying the exercise program appropriately. Assesses symptoms and initiates appropriate actions in conjunction with the healthcare team.
Provides wayfinding to clients by referring to appropriate programs within their community, as well as other health related tele-health services (e.g. nursing, navigation, and dietitian services).
Conducts on-going research to maintain up-to-date professional knowledge, skills, subject matter expertise and competencies to support best practices, as warranted.
Reviews patient charts, prepares reports, and documents patients' progress in training intensity. Maintains statistics and records of patient assessments, treatments and patient progress and outcomes.
Identifies patients’ physical issues and communicates effectively with members of the patient care team to ensure that support or treatments are initiated. Consults with health professionals, internally and externally, to promote the provision of evidence-informed, best practice physical activity information, advice, counseling and care approaches to support health promotion, disease prevention and management.
Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities by assisting with the development, evaluation and monitoring of policies, procedures and standards related to the program; generating alternative appropriate approaches, as requested.
Provides orientation, training and information sharing opportunities to staff, students and new employees, as assigned.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements including but not limited to cleans and disinfects related equipment. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel. Refers repairs to the Manager, monitors equipment safety and wear-and-tear, and co-ordinates maintenance and repairs. Adheres to established policies, procedures, and professional practice standards in the delivery of service to patients/clients.
Provides input to the Manager regarding the purchase of supplies, equipment and repairs of equipment required for therapy programs.
Performs other related duties as assigned.