Orthopedic Specialist

Summary/Objective
As an orthopedic specialist at Caribou Medical Center, you are responsible for providing comprehensive care to athletes or clients, including injury prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation. You will work closely with coaches, medical staff, and athletes to ensure optimal performance and recovery, contributing to a safe and effective training environment. Your role is vital in promoting the health and well-being of athletes through proactive care and support. Additionally, you will assist in an orthopedic clinic setting by supporting the provider in patient care tasks, and assisting with basic procedures. As a clinic assistant, your role will be limited to non-clinical support functions that contribute to efficient patient care.

Key Responsibilities:

Athletic & Orthopedic Care Duties:

1. Injury Prevention: Continuously assess the training and performance of athletes, identifying risk factors and implementing preventative measures, including stretches, warm-up routines, and technique correction.
2. Injury Evaluation & Treatment: Assist in evaluating injuries and providing immediate care, from first aid to advanced treatments. Support in the development of tailored rehabilitation plans to help athletes recover and return to their sport safely.
3. Rehabilitation: Guide athletes through structured rehabilitation programs, monitoring progress and adjusting treatments to ensure optimal recovery timelines.
4. Emergency Response: Be available during practices, games, and events to respond to injuries promptly, offering first aid, CPR, and emergency treatment when necessary.
5. Collaboration: Maintain open communication with coaches, team physicians, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care and ensure athletes' physical needs are being addressed.
6. Record Keeping: Accurately document all injuries, treatments, and recovery processes, adhering to all confidentiality and compliance guidelines, including HIPAA regulations.
7. Education & Support: Provide ongoing education to athletes regarding injury prevention, proper training techniques, and self-care strategies to promote overall health and performance.
8. Performance Enhancement: Assist in developing fitness programs that focus on improving strength, flexibility, agility, and endurance to prevent injuries and enhance athletic performance.
9. Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that athletic training supplies and equipment are well-maintained, properly stocked, and safe for use.

Assistant Duties:

1. Patient Preparation: Greet patients, obtain basic information, and prepare them for examinations by the orthopedic provider.
2. Exam Room Maintenance: Clean and stock exam rooms with necessary supplies before and after each patient visit.
3. Procedure Assistance: Assist the orthopedic provider with non-invasive procedures such as applying or removing splints, dressings, and braces as directed.
4. Patient Education: Provide patients with general instructions regarding mobility assistance, orthopedic equipment usage, and follow-up care as directed by the provider.
5. Medical Supply Management: Monitor and restock medical supplies, ensuring the orthopedic clinic is well-equipped.
6. Appointment Coordination: Assist with scheduling follow-up visits and coordinating patient care with other departments when needed.
7. Administrative Support: Help with clerical duties such as updating patient records, managing paperwork, and coordinating communication between the provider and patients.
8. Compliance & Confidentiality: Follow all privacy guidelines, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations while handling patient information.

Performance Goals and Expectations:

1. Quality of Care: Continue to provide exceptional care in injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation, ensuring the well-being of all athletes and patients.
2. Team Collaboration: Maintain effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, coaches, and staff to ensure seamless care for athletes and clinic patients.
3. Continued Professional Development: Stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and research in orthopedic care, sports medicine, and clinic procedures.
4. Record Keeping & Documentation: Ensure that all injury reports, treatments, and rehabilitation progress are thoroughly documented and comply with legal and organizational standards.
5. Proactive Approach: Anticipate potential risks and injuries, offering preemptive measures to avoid problems before they arise.

Performance Goals and Expectations:

1. Quality of Care: Continue to provide exceptional care in injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation, ensuring the well-being of all athletes.
2. Team Collaboration: Maintain effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, coaches, and staff to ensure seamless care for athletes.
3. Continued Professional Development: Stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and research in athletic training and sports medicine.
4. Record Keeping & Documentation: Ensure that all injury reports, treatments, and rehabilitation progress are thoroughly documented and comply with legal and organizational standards.
5. Proactive Approach: Anticipate potential risks and injuries, offering preemptive measures to avoid problems before they arise.

General Responsibilities

1. Completes required education/skill/competencies.
2. Attends and actively participates in interdepartmental meetings/education/competencies.  Actively participates by giving constructive input.
3. Refers to and follows policies and procedures.
4. Participates in the development and attainment of departmental goals.
5. Contributes to the overall functioning of CMC and the department by assisting where and when needed.  Functions as a positive team player.
6. Maintains a clean, safe working environment.
7. Assists in QI/QA as requested including data collection.
8. Effectively communicates with other team members.
9. Completes required work accurately and in a timely manner.

Job Related Behaviors

1. Integrity/Pride/Honor: Exhibits the highest standards of professionalism in dealings with co-workers, employers, visitors, patients and residents both inside and outside of the facility.
2. Respect/Equality: Treats others as he/she would like to be treated.
3. Communication: Communicates openly and honestly and in a way that is clear and understandable.  Uses positive communication and communicate appropriately with all CMC departments.
4. Compassion: Creates an environment of safety and trust for patients/residents/employees
5. Trust: Demonstrates trust in co-workers.
6. Professionalism: Demonstrates honesty and integrity.  Always strive to give 100%
7. Safety: Creates/Ensures that work environment is safe for patients, residents, employees and visitors.
8. Fiscal Responsibility: Is a good steward of CMC resources.
9. Ambassadorship: Uses good judgement in behavior, appearance, words and actions.  Remembers that employees are on stage at all times.
10. Quality: Is proficient, competent and efficient.
11. Teamwork: Lends a hand whenever possible to ensure top-notch patient/resident care.
12. Commitment: Committed to co-workers, patients, residents and providers.

Work Environment
As an Athletic Trainer at Caribou Medical Center, you will work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that requires adaptability, focus, and a passion for supporting the health and performance of athletes. The work environment can vary based on the nature of your role but generally includes the following settings:

• Sports Facilities & Training Areas: You will primarily work in athletic facilities, gyms, and training rooms equipped with various training tools and medical supplies. These spaces are designed to support both training and rehabilitation, providing you with the necessary resources to assist athletes effectively.
• Event & Competition Settings: Depending on the sport or organization you work with, you may also be required to be present at competitions, games, or outdoor events. You will be on-hand to provide immediate care and manage any potential injuries that occur during these high-energy environments.
• Team-Based Atmosphere: Collaboration with coaches, athletes, medical professionals, and other staff members is a key part of your role. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team that works together to ensure the well-being of the athletes under your care.
• Flexible Work Hours: Your work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays based on team schedules, events, or games. Flexibility is essential to meet the demands of your role and ensure the athletes receive care when needed.
• Physical Demands: The job requires the ability to be on your feet for long periods, respond quickly to emergencies, and occasionally assist in lifting or carrying athletes during injury assessment or treatment. You may also need to move and organize equipment and supplies to ensure the training area is safe and well-stocked.
• Indoor & Outdoor Settings: Depending on the type of sports you work with, your work environment may shift between indoor and outdoor settings. You may find yourself in controlled, climate-regulated environments or exposed to varying weather conditions during games, practices, and events.
• Positive & Supportive Atmosphere: The culture at [Company/Organization Name] is centered around teamwork, support, and the health and safety of the athletes. As an Athletic Trainer, you’ll be encouraged to engage in continuous learning, professional development, and contribute to a positive work environment.

Health & Safety:

The organization takes the health and safety of its staff seriously. Proper safety protocols are in place to ensure that you have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and support needed to perform your duties effectively. You will also have access to resources to maintain your own physical well-being, including rest areas and tools to minimize work-related stress and strain.

In this role, your expertise is not just appreciated—it’s essential in fostering an environment that prioritizes recovery, performance, and athlete health at all times.