Athletic Trainer I- Physician Practice

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Athletic Trainer I – Physician Practice develops, implements and maintains comprehensive health care programs for patients, clients and athletes. The practice of athletic training includes injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, clinical evaluation and recommendations for immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, and organizational and professional health and well-being of individuals, all under the direction of a physician. The Athletic Trainer could be placed in various sites for provision of services including, but not limited to, physician practices, high school/college/university outreach programming and community events.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Under the direction of a physician, provides clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness (or both), the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness (or both), and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual's injury or illness (or both).
2. Assists clinical staff with the operation of the clinic, including rooming patients, obtaining appropriate vital signs, order entry (under the supervision of the physician), injection preparation, general paperwork and chart preparation. Performs clinical support tasks as outlined on the Clinical Support Staff Scope of Practice document.
3. Reviews patients' medical histories and applies them in evaluation, assessment and processes. Presents patient’s pertinent imaging and laboratory results.
4. Provides wound management including, but not limited to, post-operative wounds, suture/staple removal, dressing care and appropriate first aid according to IHA protocols and the Clinical Support Staff Scope of Practice document.
5. Applies appropriate crutch and brace fitting, cast and splinting using commercial or custom-made devices.
6. Facilitates efficient and effective patient flow through the clinic utilizing professional ability and independent judgement. Collaborates with all healthcare professionals to ensure complete and thorough patient care.
7. Responsible for efficiently screening patient needs via telephone and during visits according to IHA's Policies and Protocols.
8. Directly enters medication, laboratory and radiology orders into the electronic medical record per state, local and professional guidelines, and divisionally approved processes and protocols.
9. Tracks and informs patient of laboratory/diagnostic test results as directed by provider and according to IHA/office protocols; communicates with patient regarding provider instructions based on test results received.
10. Administers prescribed medications and facilitates prescription renewals as directed by healthcare provider and done so as outlined on the Clinical Support Staff Scope of Practice document.
11. Performs general specimen collection duties and/or assists with other office procedures/surgeries, as required; during the performance of these duties adheres to all IHA specified policies, procedures and safety precautions.
12. Provides patient/family education as directed by healthcare provider.
13. Takes and relays accurate, comprehensive, dated and signed messages in a timely manner.
14. Serves as liaison between patient and healthcare provider, when necessary.  Facilitates care coordination with resources for any social influencers of health needs. Ensures timely and courteous follow-up regarding patient questions.
15. Cleans work area per IHA Environmental Cleaning Policy, examination rooms and equipment, as needed; performs limited maintenance of equipment.
16. Assists with ongoing training of existing orthopaedic clinical staff, according to Clinical Support Staff Scope of Practice document and identifies gaps in skills.
17. Responsible for continuing to develop their own skills by attending continuing education events and using the continuing education allowance to attend approved courses.
18. Performs other duties as assigned and works within the scope of State of Michigan Athletic Trainer licensure.
19. Other duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Creates a positive, professional, service-oriented work environment for staff, patients and family members by supporting the mission and values of Trinity Health Medical Group.
2. Must be able to work effectively as a member of the Patient Care team.
3. Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.
4. Successfully completes all relevant organizational training and adheres to Trinity Health Medical Group standard of care as outlined in the Trinity Health Code of Conduct.
5. Maintains knowledge of and complies with Trinity Health Medical Group standards, policies and procedures.
6. Maintains general knowledge of Trinity Health Medical Group  office services and in the use of all relevant office equipment, computer and manual systems.
7. Maintains strict confidentiality in compliance with Trinity Health Medical Group  and HIPAA guidelines.
8. Serves as a role model by demonstrating exceptional ability and willingness to take on new and additional responsibilities.  Embraces new ideas and respects cultural differences.
9. Uses resources efficiently.
10. If applicable, responsible for ongoing professional development – maintains appropriate licensure/certification and continuing education credentials, participates in available learning opportunities.

MEASURED BY:

Performance that meets or exceeds IHA CARES Values expectation as outlined in IHA Performance Review document, relative to position.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine or related field if completed before 2020; otherwise, effective 2020, Master’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine or related field required.

CREDENTIALS/LICENSURE:   

• Current State of Michigan Athletic Trainer License.
• NATA BOC Certification preferred.
• Valid American Heart Association CPR certification.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: One year of related experience preferred.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ABILITIES & SKILLS):

1. Knowledge of patient care and organizational policies related to position responsibilities.
2. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations related to position responsibilities.
3. Proficient/knowledgeable in medical terminology as it pertains to clinical documentation in medical record.
4. Ability to perform mathematical calculations needed during the course of performing essential job duties.
5. Proficient in operating a standard desktop and Windows-based computer system, including but not limited to, electronic medical records, email, e-learning, intranet, Microsoft Word and Excel, and computer navigation.  Ability to use other software as required while performing the essential functions of the job.
6. Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms, including proper phone etiquette.
7. Ability to speak before groups of people, either in-person or virtually.   
8. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; displays courteous and friendly demeanor.
9. Ability to work effectively with various levels of organizational members and diverse populations including IHA staff, providers, patients, family members, hospital staff, non-IHA providers and their staff.
10. Ability to cross-train in other areas of practice in order to achieve smooth flow of all operations.
11. Good organizational and time management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints.
12. Ability to exercise sound judgement and problem-solving skills.
13. Ability to handle patient and organizational information in a confidential manner.
14. Knowledge of the compliance aspects of clinical care and patient privacy and best practices in medical office operations.
15. Successful completion of IHA competency-based program within introductory and training period.
16. Flexibility in hours to meet deadlines or patients’ schedules. Availability for some weekend and/or evening services or programs.  
17. Ability to travel to other office/practice sites, meeting/training locations, games, competitions and tournaments.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Physical activity that often requires keyboarding, phone work and charting.
2. Physical activity that often requires extensive time working on a computer.
3. Physical activity that often requires handling and lifting patients walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, kneeling and/or twisting.       
4. Physical activity that often requires lifting, pushing and/or pulling over 50 lbs.
5. Physical activity that sometimes requires lifting, pushing and/or pulling up to 100 lbs.
6. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust and focus. 
7. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment.
8. Must hear and speak well enough to conduct business over the telephone or face to face for long periods of time in English.

MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPECTATIONS:

This job operates in a medical facility and requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital/clinic. Employees will be working where there is patient care equipment. Hazardous materials, including bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids are also present. Exposure to sharps, x-rays, patients' conditions and some unpleasant sights, smells and contagious diseases is possible.  This position requires significant interaction with people (many of whom are scared, hurt and/or ill) which can be stressful and result in competing priorities.