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 professionalsin 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 careers@icims.com