So why cohealth?

At cohealth, we're passionate about human rights and health equity. We strive to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we're serving, as we know that makes us a stronger and better performing organisation.

We value people of all experiences and identities, including all cultural backgrounds, faiths, gender identities, sexualities and abilities. Our inclusive workplace culture enables staff to bring their whole selves to work, where uniqueness is valued, and people experience a feeling of belonging.

We're committed to enabling staff's full participation through promoting workplace flexibility and the provision of reasonable adjustments for staff that require modifications.

About the role

The Exercise Physiologist (EP) is responsible for providing quality community-based outpatient Exercise Physiology services to individuals and groups within our community. This includes working in close collaboration with our team of Physiotherapists and Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) to develop and lead a consistent program of physical activity across cohealth and work closely with partner organisations to promote accessible exercise options for cohealth clients in the local community.

The Exercise Physiologist will work within a multidisciplinary team and liaise closely with the medical team to provide holistic, client centred and coordinated healthcare. Our multidisciplinary team comprises physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, DNEs, dieticians, nursing and counseling services. All service provision is underpinned by principles of inter professional practice (IPP) and service coordination. Using a strengths-based approach cohealth Exercise Physiologist will collaborate with clients, their carers and other service providers, to develop meaningful care plans.

Drawing on the findings of the assessment and the care planning process, care is provided utilising appropriate evidenced based interventions. This includes a focus on educating and empowering clients to adopt self-management strategies to improve their health which is underpinned by health literacy principles.

Your daily duties will vary but will include:

Direct Care Services

• Provide high quality Exercise Physiology services to clients and groups of clients in accordance with agreed targets
• Provide a high quality and flexible Exercise Physiology service to clients from marginalised backgrounds
• Provide a welcoming environment where the consumers are able to inquire and learn about a range of health-related matters and engage in self-management
• Participate in multidisciplinary coordinated care and care planning activities to meet the needs of the target group
• Refer, consult and liaise with staff within the organisation, nursing and medical teams and other local agencies to ensure a holistic multi-disciplinary approach to health care provision
• To liaise with internal and external service providers in relation to individual client needs and to support clients to transition from the health care setting to sustainable community based exercise
• Develop, review and evaluate Exercise Physiology direct care, group exercise and health promotion programs using a codesign approach
• Incorporate health education into direct care contacts using health literacy principles.
• To develop and lead a service, in collaboration with the Physiotherapy Practice Excellence Coach, that supports client capacity building and self-management in physical activity
• Provide Allied Health Assistant supervision and Grade 1 Exercise Physiology supervision which results in increased confidence, skill level, self-awareness and job satisfaction for the supervisee, as required
• Participate in and contribute to quality student supervision and related tasks to support student placements and professional skill development
• Perform other duties consistent with the aims and objectives of cohealth as directed by the program coordinator

Health Education & Health Promotion

• Contribute to and participate in health education and promotion programs aimed at maximising good health and preventing illness in accordance with program development and evaluation strategies in response to community needs
• Liaise with the Prevention and Population Health Team as appropriate
• Act as an advocate for individual clients/groups of clients as appropriate
• To liaise with internal and external service providers in relation to individual client needs and to support clients to transition from the health care setting to sustainable community-based exercise

Quality Improvement

• Ensure safety and maintenance of exercise equipment and supplies
• Adhere to infection control policy
• Participate in professional development
• Develop and lead organisational and discipline-specific Quality Improvement activities

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain and complete client files and statistical/program records in keeping with the organisation's policy and funding requirements
• Have appropriate knowledge of the funding agreements underpinning their role and be accountable to meeting those requirements
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff as appropriate
• Monitor and order educational materials, literature and clinic supplies
• Independently manage stock and maintain current ordering processes with budgetary constraints

Team & Policy Development

• Advocacy for the role of the exercise physiologist within community health
• Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings and discipline team meetings
• Develop and deliver appropriate health strategies and information for clients
• Participate in the planning, development and evaluation of discipline and Multidisciplinary Team services
• Professional conduct in the execution of all duties by regulating own behaviour and understanding organisational structure and culture
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and regularly participate in team and organisational activities

Additional information can be obtained from the attached position description.

About you:

Mandatory

• Eligible for accreditation as an Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and demonstrated experience in Exercise Physiology, preferably in a community based setting
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the principles of community health and principles of chronic disease management
• Commitment to professional development and quality improvement including skills in program planning, implementation and evaluation
• Experience in supervision including the supervision of students, grade 1 Exercise Physiologists and Allied Health Assistants
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working both independently and within a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated commitment to community participation and ongoing engagement with consumers
• Well-developed computer skills and a current Driver's Licence

Application Process

Click on apply now to be directed to our careers page. You will be asked to upload your CV/ resume and answer the questions provided on Talent Propeller.

Additional Information

• cohealth is an equal opportunity employer
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who speak languages other than English are encouraged to apply
• This position is based at 90 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray but may be required to work across sites from time to time or to change sites
• cohealth is a child safe organisation and employment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a Police Record Check and Working with Children Check
• In the context of occupational health and safety all employees are required to carry out their duties in a manner that does not adversely affect their own health and safety and that of others by reporting all incidents and injuries as well as co-operating with any measures introduced in the workplace to improve OH&S
• Salary packaging is available to all fixed and permanent staff