Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Position Purpose:

Responsible for improving health outcomes for people living with COPD, cardiovascular disease, mental illness and dementia, focusing on improving nutrition, smoking cessation, and physical activity.

Reports to:

RFDS Primary Health Care Coordinator

Position Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Provide support and design specific programs for people living with COPD, cardiovascular disease, mental illness and dementia to live a better quality of life, reduce possible preventable hospitalisations and assist chronic disease management;
• Work with the rural health workers, mental health workers and local and/or visiting service providers to deliver programs that will provide exercise programs for people in rural and remote areas to better manage their health conditions;
• Maintain client confidentiality;
• Deliver one-on-one sessions, small group education programs and health promotion activities; map community needs and existing services to identify gaps;
• Work autonomously and as part of a team;
• Adhere to relevant legislation, policies and procedures;
• Ensure a safe working environment by complying with relevant work health and safety legislation, policies and procedures;
• Be prepared to undergo further training and development as required; and
• Data collection and dissemination.

Working Relationships:

External

• Community Groups
• Clients
• Local and visiting service providers
• Hospitals and General Practice
• Primary Health Tasmania
• Local Government Authority representative

Internal

• RFDS Primary Health Care Coordinator
• RFDS Rural Health Worker
• RFDS Mental Health Worker
• Other RFDS staff and programs

Selection Criteria:

1. Accredited Exercise Physiologist by Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA);
2. Experience in an exercise and fitness based structure;
3. Ability to conduct needs assessment and planning;
4. Possess the knowledge of health and well-being support in the region;
5. Ability to design information and communication sessions, collect and report accurate information;
6. Able to work autonomously and as part of a team;
7. Thorough knowledge of health services and issues pertaining to people living in rural and remote areas;
8. Ability to manage multiple deadlines and efficiently identify and resolve issues;
9. An understanding of person-centeredness, health literacy, and social determinants of health;
10. Project management and organizational skills, manage multiple deadlines and efficiently identify and resolve issues; and
11. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Current ESSA Exercise Physiology accreditation (AEP);
• Tasmanian Drivers Licence;
• First Aid Certificate;
• Current National Police and working with vulnerable people check;
• Flexible Hours - willing to work nights and weekends as required; and
• Travel within Tasmania, including overnight.

Award Remuneration:

Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2010