ATHLETIC TRAINER

Closes on May 12, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of the Athletic Trainer is to support the health and wellness of SMFR employees by developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, assisting with the administration and operation of the SMFR Wellness Center, and ensuring alignment with organizational values. Primary responsibilities include patient care, performing manual therapy, assisting with planning and organizing wellness initiatives, and implementing components of the SMFR Wellness and Fitness Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the position and do not list every duty that may be required of the employee for this position. The district retains the right to change the duties and responsibilities of the position at any time without notice.)

Designs and implements injury rehabilitation, exercise and mobility programs that promote wellness and fitness for injured personnel under the direction of the District Physician.

Consults with patients to learn about physical conditions and reviews medical history, diagnoses movement dysfunction through examination and observation.

Creates individualized treatment plans; designs, educates, and implements injury rehabilitation, exercise, and mobility programs; guides patients through movements and exercises to achieve positive patient outcomes.

Educates and coaches patients on therapeutic exercises and stretches to improve pain, function, mobility, and strength; uses hands on therapy and therapeutic equipment (modalities) clinically indicated; assists patients in understanding their injuries and the rehabilitation process.

Assists with new candidate physical evaluations.

Assists with Annual Wellness Assessments for District employees.

Maintains patient records; monitors and documents patient progress adheres to legal and regulatory requirements of documentation and reporting; completes all administrative duties and Wellness Center duties in a timely manner

Practices within the scope of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, Title 12 Article 205.

Collaborates with Wellness and Occupational Health Physician, Physician Assistant and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to patient care and optimize treatment outcomes.

Engages in ongoing education; remains current on best practices in the field.

Assists with management and tracking of workers compensation claims.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.)

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, Wellness, Sport and Exercise Science, Athletic Training, or equivalent field of specialization from an accredited university. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Three (3) or more years of experience within a Wellness, Athletic Training, and/or Exercise/Fitness workplace setting is required. Three (3) years of experience working within a fire, military, collegiate, or professional athletic setting is preferred.

Athletic Trainer Certification is required, compliant with current professional standards as required and stated at the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, and Colorado Office of Athletic Trainer Licensure.

Dry Needling certification is preferred.

Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with SMFR’s Driving Records Policy.

Must obtain CPR certification within one (1) year of hire.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Ability to create, follow, and apply physical therapy/rehabilitation prescriptions provided by the District Physician, Physician Assistant and other treating Physicians.

Ability to evaluate and treat acute and chronic orthopedic injuries.

Ability to maintain confidential information in accordance with HIPAA.

Ability to perform physical assessments (VO2 max, body comp., and mobility screens).

Ability to perform and demonstrate rehab exercises.

Possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience to be able to explain and demonstrate with or without reasonable accommodations, that an employee’s essential job functions can be performed.

Knowledge of proper use of various weightlifting machines, free weights, and cardiovascular equipment.

Working knowledge of modern office equipment including computers and a variety of software.

Skills in problem resolution using independent judgment.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with patients, coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and medical professionals.

Medical documentation, record keeping, and data entry skills.

Skill in time and resource management.

Ability to maintain confidential information.

Strong administrative skills.

Ability to follow through on projects with minimal supervision.

Ability to work independently and with others.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of the Physician Assistant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

E QUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS

Requires frequent use of a personal computer including various software packages, database and spreadsheet programs, specialized exercise equipment and technology, SMFR automobiles, calculators, telephones, mobile computers, copy machines, printers, and other general office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision acuity and the ability to adjust focus, allowing a broad field of vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

While performing the duties of this job, the employee primarily works in a climate-controlled office environment. The work environment also includes inside and outdoor exercise facilities. Some work may be performed at fire stations and training facility.

May be exposed to wet/humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; outdoor weather conditions such as extreme hot or cold and high noise levels.

BENEFITS

South Metro Fire Rescue’s compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees. As such, SMFR’s compensation is more than base pay. All regular full-time SMFR employees enjoy a total compensation package including base wages, leave accruals, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance employer-paid premiums, Retiree Health Savings, Death & Disability, and employer-paid pension contributions as well as a positive work culture including a robust Fitness, Wellness and Rehabilitation Program, educational opportunities and support, job security and other positive non-monetary values which are intended to collectively position SMFR as an employer of choice in its geographic area. SMFR recognizes that being an employer of choice has a different meaning to different people depending on what elements a person highly values. But SMFR's overall goal is to be a great place to work.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.