Kinesiologist - Chronic Disease

Position Summary

Reporting to Manager Health Services‑Primary Care, the Kinesiologist‑Chronic Disease is an integrated member in the service delivery of primary health care to clients living with or at risk for chronic diseases that may be prevented or managed in part via physical activity. The Kinesiologist specializes in the delivery of exercise and health‑behavior modification programs using a highly person‑centered approach to support active involvement in one’s own health care.

Kinesiology is the science of human movement, encompassing both its physical and behavioral aspects. Kinesiologists promote and provide best practices in prevention, assessment and intervention to enhance and maintain fitness, health and wellness, performance and function, in the areas of exercise, sport, recreation, work and activities of daily living. Kinesiologists have important knowledge and skills to contribute across the continuum of care for chronic disease, at both the level of the individual and of the community.

As contributions move across the continuum from health promotion and disease prevention to intervention and rehabilitation, collaboration with other health care professionals is essential.

The incumbent exercises the appropriate level of initiative and independent judgment in determining work priorities, work methods to be employed and action to be taken on unusual matters. The position functions in a manner that is consistent with the mission, vision and values; and the policies of Prairie Mountain Health.

• Responsible for delivery of cardiac rehabilitation and cardiovascular disease prevention, chronic disease prevention, education, management, and support based on the most recent clinical practice guidelines.
• Works in collaboration with members of the multi-disciplinary health care team including Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Dietitians, Chronic Disease Education Program members, and Cardiac and Lung Rehabilitation Program members as required
• Designs appropriate exercise prescriptions, monitors progress and modifies interventions based on a client’s functional status, chronic disease presentation, advanced age and co‑morbidities.
• Works in partnership with clients and organizations with preventative strategies to help clients maintain an independent and healthy lifestyle status.
• Plans, designs, implements and facilitates single client and group‑based health education and physical activity programs within the scope of practice.
• Ensures continuity of care by maintaining up‑to‑date medical records; ensures communication with client’s primary care provider and other service providers, and makes referrals where appropriate.
• Provides counselling to clients on accessible and safe physical activities to encourage the maintenance of their health.
• Collaborates with service providers to establish and develop safe and effective programs to meet the needs of clients.
• Integrates with the primary health care team through sharing of physical activity knowledge and best practices to support the team with the knowledge required to prescribe physical activity as a health intervention.
• Provides client‑centered education based on the assessment of chronic disease and understanding of health behaviour change model.
• Provides group education and/or group visits to clients regarding chronic disease prevention, education and support.
• Develops supporting clinical, professional and community networks.
• Demonstrated ability to critically analyze and synthesize current literature and best practice.
• Collaborates and helps develop a professional education plan to ensure that skills and knowledge base remains current.

• Identifies gaps in resources and supports required to effectively prescribe physical activity.
• Works with primary care providers to develop resources, tools and referral processes to address the identified gaps.
• Develops educational resources and tools for health professionals and community members.
• Supports health professionals and clients in using resources and tools.
• Mentors and supports primary care providers as they implement the above tools.
• Develops and…