Kinesiology Specialist - Unlock Human Potential Through Movement
💰 $55,000 - $85,000
🎯 Role Definition
As a Kinesiology Specialist, you will be a pivotal member of our health and wellness team, responsible for assessing human movement and performance to design effective and evidence-based interventions. You will work directly with clients to restore function, manage and prevent injuries, and optimize physical capabilities. Your expertise will bridge the gap between scientific principles and practical application, empowering individuals to achieve their health, rehabilitation, and performance goals. This role requires a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, combined with exceptional interpersonal skills to guide and motivate a diverse clientele.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Recent Graduate, Bachelor's or Master's in Kinesiology/Human Kinetics
- Physiotherapy Assistant or Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Certified Personal Trainer or Strength and Conditioning Coach
Advancement To:
- Senior Kinesiology Specialist or Team Lead
- Clinic Manager or Rehabilitation Services Manager
- Ergonomics Consultant or Program Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Corporate Wellness Coordinator
- Health & Safety Advisor
- Medical Device or Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Conduct comprehensive functional and physical assessments to evaluate clients' posture, movement patterns, strength, mobility, and overall physical capacity.
- Perform specialized assessments such as Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), Post-Offer Employment Testing (POETs), and Physical Demands Analyses (PDAs) to determine work readiness and job-site requirements.
- Design, implement, and meticulously supervise individualized active rehabilitation and graded exercise therapy programs for clients recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, or post-surgical conditions.
- Develop and lead evidence-based exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, arthritis) to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
- Perform detailed ergonomic assessments of office and industrial workstations to identify biomechanical risk factors and provide actionable recommendations for modifications to prevent work-related injuries.
- Educate clients, employers, and other stakeholders on principles of injury prevention, proper body mechanics, therapeutic exercise, and self-management strategies to foster independence and long-term wellness.
- Monitor, track, and document client progress through regular re-evaluations, objectively measuring outcomes and adjusting treatment plans to ensure goals are met efficiently.
- Utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques within the kinesiologist's scope of practice, including functional movement screening, mobility training, and soft tissue techniques to support recovery.
- Provide direct, one-on-one coaching and group-based instruction, ensuring correct exercise form and technique to maximize effectiveness and minimize risk of re-injury.
- Assess and analyze gait and movement mechanics to identify dysfunctions and prescribe corrective exercises or activity modifications.
- Facilitate work conditioning and work hardening programs designed to simulate job demands and ensure a safe and durable return to employment for injured workers.
- Guide clients through hydrotherapy or pool-based rehabilitation programs, leveraging the properties of water to facilitate movement and recovery.
Administrative & Collaborative Duties
- Maintain exceptionally detailed, accurate, and timely clinical documentation, including initial assessment findings, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries in compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
- Prepare and submit comprehensive, objective reports for third-party payers, including insurance companies (MVA, LTD), workers' compensation boards (WCB/WSIB), and legal representatives.
- Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, physicians, and case managers, to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to client care.
- Participate in case conferences and team meetings, providing expert input on a client's functional status, progress, and rehabilitation potential.
- Develop and deliver engaging corporate wellness workshops and educational seminars on topics such as office ergonomics, manual material handling, stress management, and physical activity.
- Assist in the development and continuous improvement of clinical protocols, client education materials, and service delivery models within the organization.
- Manage a caseload of clients, effectively scheduling appointments, managing follow-ups, and ensuring continuity of care from assessment to discharge.
- Stay current with the latest research, evidence-based practices, and technological advancements in the fields of kinesiology, rehabilitation, and exercise science.
- Participate in community outreach and promotional events to advocate for the benefits of kinesiology and promote the organization's services.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Functional Assessment: Expertise in conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), Physical Demands Analyses (PDAs), and other comprehensive physical assessments.
- Exercise Prescription: Advanced ability to design and progress individualized therapeutic and corrective exercise programs for diverse populations and conditions.
- Ergonomic Analysis: Proficiency in performing office and industrial ergonomic assessments and recommending effective controls and modifications.
- Biomechanics & Anatomy: Deep, applied knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to analyze movement and identify dysfunction.
- Clinical Documentation: Skill in writing clear, concise, and defensible clinical notes and third-party reports (e.g., for WSIB, MVA, LTD claims).
- Rehabilitation Protocols: Strong understanding of rehabilitation protocols for common musculoskeletal injuries, post-operative conditions, and chronic diseases.
- EMR/EHR Software: Proficiency using Electronic Medical Record or Electronic Health Record systems for scheduling, billing, and clinical charting.
Soft Skills
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate complex information clearly and empathetically to clients, colleagues, and third-party stakeholders.
- Empathy & Rapport-Building: A genuine ability to connect with clients, understand their challenges, and build a trusting, motivating therapeutic alliance.
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to assess client needs, interpret findings, and develop logical, effective intervention plans.
- Instruction & Coaching: Ability to effectively teach, cue, and motivate individuals and groups to perform exercises and adopt healthier behaviors.
- Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills to manage a dynamic caseload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines for reporting and documentation.
- Professionalism & Integrity: Commitment to ethical practice, client confidentiality, and maintaining professional boundaries in all interactions.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
A Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, or a closely related field from a recognized university. Must be registered and in good standing with the provincial governing body or association (e.g., BCAK, AKA, OKA).
Preferred Education:
A Master's Degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Rehabilitation Science. Additional certifications such as Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP), Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin), or specialized ergonomic certifications.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Kinesiology
- Human Kinetics
- Exercise Science
- Biomechanics
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 1-5 years of experience in a clinical, occupational rehabilitation, or private practice setting. New graduates with strong co-op or practicum experience will be considered.
Preferred: Direct experience working with clients in auto insurance (MVA), long-term disability (LTD), or workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) systems. Proven track record in performing FCEs and ergonomic assessments is highly desirable.