Wellness Center Specialist (4295)

Primary Purpose: 

The Wellness Center Specialist supports the delivery, growth, and continuous improvement of Waco Family Medicine’s Wellness Center programming through evidence-based exercise services, patient engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This position provides individualized exercise programming for patients referred by Waco Family Medicine clinicians, supports chronic disease prevention and management efforts, and contributes to wellness initiatives that promote health and well-being among patients, employees, and community members. 

The Wellness Center Specialist supports the continued growth and impact of Wellness Center programming, including exercise prescription services, Shared Medical Appointments, employee wellness initiatives, and community health promotion efforts. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate daily Wellness Center operations, including patient scheduling, enrollment, communication, and workflow support 

• Conduct patient orientations, fitness assessments, and individualized exercise programming based on patient goals, medical history, and clinician referrals 

• Develop and modify exercise prescriptions using evidence-based exercise guidelines for individuals with chronic conditions and varying levels of physical ability 

• Provide supervised exercise sessions while monitoring patient safety, exercise response, and progression toward individualized goals 

• Obtain and document patient information, including vital signs, exercise session data, assessments, and progress updates within electronic medical records and departmental tracking systems 

• Support Shared Medical Appointment programming by understanding program workflows, facilitating exercise and physical activity components as needed, and providing session coverage when appropriate 

• Assist with the development and delivery of Wellness Center programming, including employee wellness initiatives, group exercise opportunities, and community health promotion activities 

• Support the onboarding, training, and mentorship of graduate Fitness Advisors, interns, and volunteers 

• Collaborate with clinicians, care teams, students, volunteers, and community partners to support integrated patient care and program success 

• Contribute to quality improvement efforts, program evaluation activities, and workflow improvements to enhance patient experience and program impact 

• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for all Wellness Center participants 

Other Duties: 

• Assist with administrative tasks related to Wellness Center operations 

• Complete additional duties as assigned by the Wellness Center Coordinator or Director of Non-Medical Drivers of Health (NMDoH) Programs  

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS 

Reports to: Wellness Center Coordinator 

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a closely related field required 

• Experience working in a clinical, community health, fitness, or wellness setting preferred. Experience working with individuals managing chronic disease, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or obesity, is preferred 

Skills: 

• Knowledge of evidence-based exercise guidelines, exercise prescription principles, and health behavior change strategies 

• Ability to design and modify exercise programs for diverse populations and individuals with chronic conditions 

• Ability to obtain accurate manual hemodynamic measurements, including blood pressure and heart rate 

• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment 

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, clinicians, employees, students, volunteers, and community members 

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements 

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute ideas toward program improvement and growth 

• Commitment to serving historically underserved populations and supporting equitable access to healthcare and wellness services 

• Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid certification required 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred 

• ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) or another nationally recognized exercise certification preferred 

• Experience designing and implementing individualized exercise programs for diverse populations 

• Experience working with electronic medical records, clinical documentation, or healthcare workflows 

Work Schedule: 

The Wellness Center currently offers expanded weekday hours to improve patient access. The anticipated schedule for this position is Tuesday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Work schedules may change based on operational needs and future program growth and may include early morning, evening, and Saturday hours. 

Physical & Mental Requirements: 

• Visual and auditory accuracy 

• Shift length – 8-10 hours 

• Indoor setting 

• Frequent use of computer and telephone 

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, reaching, and demonstrating exercise techniques 

• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds 

• Ability to assist patients with exercise equipment and movement as needed 

• Ability to respond appropriately during medical emergencies 

• Understand and carry out detailed oral and written instructions 

• Read and interpret clinical documentation and department procedures