About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you will be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

General Summary

The Exercise Physiologist will assess and create exercise prescriptions for participants with medical complexity and/or physical disability.  Works together with the Clinical team and Galvin Fitness Staff to achieve goals and objectives.  Proactively recommends strategies and implements processes for fitness center programs. 

The Exercise Physiologist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Exercise Physiologist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

The Exercise Physiologist will:

1. Establish exercise programs through assessment and evaluation to achieve participant prescriptive goals.
2. Perform advanced exercise testing such as VO2max testing, cardiac monitoring during exercise testing (EKG), Biodex system 3 strength testing, and body composition testing.
3. Measure and document physiological outcome data.
4. Analyze program outcomes for quality and fiscal soundness to ensure that all aspects of the fitness programs are achieved.
5. Instruct exercise prescriptive with community and employee members inclusive of those with medical complexity and/or physical disability diagnoses, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, visual impairments, cerebral vascular accident, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis.
6. Help develop and promote regular programs to provide creative and value-added classes and activities for members.
7. Serve as liaison between the outpatient clinical team and staff members of the Galvin Fitness Center.
8. Maintain record-keeping of all health screenings, medical clearance forms, and attendance sheets for all classes and programs.
9. Ensure that exercise equipment is safe, clean, and in proper working order.
10. Assists with providing gym floor supervision and assisting members of the adaptive fitness center as needed.
11. Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships

1. Reports directly to the Director, Adaptive Sports and Fitness Programs, Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services

Required Skills Required Experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

1. Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
2. Current nationally-recognized health fitness certification required from an organization such as ACSM, NASM, or NSCA. Clinical certification preferred.
3. Current ACSM Inclusive Fitness Trainer certification within 6 months post-hire.
4. BLS and First Aid certification
5. Previous experience conducting exercise tests such as VO2max testing, body composition and cardiac monitoring.
6. Knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology with applications to developing personal exercise programs.
7. Strong teaching and presentation skills.
8. Experience in adaptive group exercise or special populations preferred.
9. Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to interact on a daily basis with internal/external customers.
10. Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to make sound judgment to monitor and respond to client needs.
11. Ability to anticipate, assess and address the needs of clients to positively influence the client/customer experience (directly or indirectly).
12. Strong interest in research and evidence-based practice.

Working Conditions

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.