Exercise Physiologist - Athlete Performance & Return-to-Play

Company Description

Position Type : Full-Time

Location : On-Site (In-Clinic Support Hub)

Reports To : Clinic Director / Lead Physical Therapist

The Center for Physical Rehabilitation specializes in all-inclusive therapy services in a friendly, compassionate, and upbeat atmosphere. Our state-of-the-art facilities are located throughout greater Grand Rapids with extended hours. Independent with local ownership since 1994, we can work with the most qualified healthcare professionals in West Michigan. Our goal is to get our patients back to life without limits.

Join our friendly, family-oriented team!

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Exercise Physiologist to lead performance programming and daily operations within an athlete-specific gym as part of a sports physical therapy clinic. This role bridges high-level athletic performance and clinical rehabilitation, supporting athletes from performance enhancement through late-stage return-to-play.

The Exercise Physiologist will design and implement evidence-based strength, conditioning, speed, and metabolic training programs for both well athletes and rehabilitating athletes while collaborating closely with physical therapists to safely progress patients transitioning back to sport.

Athlete Performance Programming

• Design and deliver individualized and group performance training programs for youth, collegiate, and adult athletes

• Develop periodized strength & conditioning plans focused on speed, power, agility, endurance, and injury risk reduction

• Conduct baseline and ongoing performance testing (force production, movement quality, aerobic capacity, sprint mechanics, etc.)

• Coach proper lifting technique, movement mechanics, and sport-specific skill development

• Monitor athlete workload, fatigue, and readiness to optimize performance outcomes

• Return-to-Play Collaboration

• Work directly with physical therapists to progress clients in late-stage rehabilitation and return-to-sport phases

• Implement and advance return-to-running, plyometric, change-of-direction, and sport simulation progressions

• Modify training sessions based on clinical restrictions, pain response, and functional readiness

• Participate in case discussions and interdisciplinary planning meetings

• Assist with discharge planning and transition athletes into ongoing performance programs

Gym Operations & Program Development

• Lead day-to-day operations of the performance gym including scheduling, equipment oversight, and session flow

• Develop and grow athlete performance programs, camps, and small group offerings

• Ensure a safe, clean, and high-energy training environment

• Track performance outcomes and contribute to program quality improvement initiatives

• Assist with community outreach, team relationships, and athlete recruitment

Education & Communication

• Educate athletes and families on training principles, recovery strategies, and injury prevention

• Provide clear communication with physical therapists regarding progress, setbacks, and readiness milestones

• Maintain accurate documentation of athlete performance metrics and return-to-play progression

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or related field

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or equivalent preferred

• Experience working with competitive athletes in a performance or sports medicine setting

• Strong understanding of biomechanics, energy systems, and return-to-sport progressions

• CPR/AED certification required

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within or alongside rehabilitation professionals

• Familiarity with objective return-to-play testing and criteria-based progression

• Coaching experience in speed development, Olympic lifting, or plyometrics

• Background in youth athlete development models

• Experience in use and interpretation of force plate and dynamometry tools

Key Competencies

• High energy and strong coaching presence

• Clinical reasoning and ability to adjust programming safely

• Team-oriented mindset and collaborative communication

• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple athletes and schedules

• Growth mindset with commitment to evidence-based practice

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work in an integrated sports medicine and performance model

• Collaborative team environment with physical therapists and performance staff

• Ability to build and lead athlete performance programming

• Continuing education and professional development support

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you'd like to view a copy of the company's affirmative action plan or policy statement and/or if you would like to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected]