Exercise Physiologist – Athlete Performance & Return-to-Play
Grand Rapids, MI - USA
Job Summary
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 :
- Bachelors or Masters 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
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Part-time
About Company
P4 Physical Therapy believes in placing the well-being of our patients first. We accomplish this by carefully selecting compassionate, dedicated, and team-oriented staff. Our company is therapist owned with over 42 years of qualified therapy experience. Step inside our locations, and ... View more