Project Walk®- Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Due to the intense demands of our program, everyone who is accepted for employment at Project Walk® as an SCI Recovery Specialist is required to complete a minimum six-month paid apprenticeship. During this period, apprentices begin the Level I certification process and are trained in safety procedures, equipment operation, and basic exercise routines. They complete coursework and take written and practical exams. Those who successfully complete the apprenticeship are offered employment opportunities at Project Walk® as SCI Recovery Specialists, provided that client loads permit. At that time, Specialists continue on with the Level I certification process in The Dardzinski Method™ of spinal cord injury recovery.

Job Description
During the first six months, all apprentices are classified as SCI Recovery Specialist Aides. Aides augment a team of specialists and, under the close supervision of Lead Specialists, gain experience in basic exercise routines, equipment use, and safety. SCI Recovery Specialists are exposed to advanced techniques used with a wide spectrum of clients with SCI. They design individualized workouts for clients and implement the workouts during one-on-one sessions. SCI Recovery Specialists assist clients in the performance of desired movements, which often requires moderate to strenuous exertion. Frequent lifting and carrying of clients is also required several times during a single session. Clients’ injuries and recoveries are different; therefore, SCI Recovery Specialists tailor workout sessions accordingly. The best Specialists are flexible, creative, and able to think on their feet. Employees are an integral part of the unique, positive atmosphere at Project Walk®.

Requirements/Qualifications
Applicants must have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology or a related field, or be a recent Physical Therapy graduate. Students completing their last semester/quarter of school are encouraged to apply. The following qualifications are required:

Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to interact with various groups of people
The ability to lift a minimum of 70 pounds and maintain a moderate to strenuous workload for sustained periods of time
Current Personal Training, CPR and First Aid certification
Two (2) letters of recommendation: one from a professional source and one from an academic or community source

Apprenticeship pay scale based on experience and degree.

SCI Recovery Specialist Aides

SCI Recovery Specialist Aides assist SCI Recovery Specialists in the everyday operations of Project Walk®. They are trained in basic exercise programs, equipment operation, and safety guidelines. The Aides' primary purpose is to ensure the safety of Project Walk® clients and staff.

Job Description
Duties include, but are not limited to:

Following safety guidelines
Assisting SCI Recovery Specialists during exercise sessions
Monitoring and spotting clients during workout sessions
Cleaning and maintaining the facility and equipment

Requirements/Qualifications

Current CPR and First Aid certification
The ability to interact with various groups of people
The ability to lift a minimum of 70 pounds and maintain a moderate to strenuous workload for sustained periods of time
Detail-oriented and able to follow directions and safety guidelines
Two (2) letters of recommendation: one from a professional source and one from an academic or community source

Preferred Qualifications

Enrolled in a two or four-year degree program in the field of Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Physical Education
Certified in Personal Training
Completion of a Basic Weight Training class

Aide pay scale based on experience.

Academic Internships

Academic interns are persons seeking school credit for time spent at Project Walk®. Internships range in length, depending on specific academic program requirements. Academic interns must provide a school point of contact and proof of insurance.

Job Description
Internships are designed to accommodate academic schedules and promote a positive and safe learning environment. Interns are trained in safety procedures, equipment operation and basic exercise routines. Under the close supervision of SCI Recovery Specialists, interns work directly with a variety of clients in different phases of the recovery process. They are exposed to a variety of techniques in The Dardzinski Method™ of spinal cord injury recovery and gain invaluable job experience for careers in exercise science or related fields.

Requirements/Qualifications
Applicants must be juniors, seniors or graduate students pursuing degrees in Exercise Science, Kinesiology or related field and meet the following requirements:

An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in classes required by major. (General Education classes are not included in this calculation.)
Able to complete a minimum of 50 - 100 internship hours
Current CPR certification
Two (2) letters of recommendation-- one personal and one academic
Academic program must provide off-site professional liability and workers' compensation insurance. Proof of insurance is to be provided by the designated school official.

For more information regarding Project Walk® employment, please contact:

(760) 431-9789
E-mail: pwinternship@sbcglobal.net