HSS

How you move is why we're here. ®
Now more than ever.
Get back to what you need and love to do.
The possibilities are endless...
Now more than ever, our guiding principles are helping us in our search for exceptional talent - candidates who align with our unique workplace culture and who want to maximize the abundant opportunities for growth and success.
If this describes you then let's talk!
HSS is consistently among the top-ranked hospitals for orthopedics and rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report. As a recipient of the Magnet Award for Nursing Excellence, HSS was the first hospital in New York City to receive the distinguished designation. Whether you are early in your career or an expert in your field, you will find HSS an innovative, supportive and inclusive environment.
Working with colleagues who love what they do and are deeply committed to our Mission, you too can be part of our transformation across the enterprise.
Emp Status
Regular Full time
Work Shift
Variable (United States of America)
Compensation Range
The base pay scale for this position is $47,000.00 - $71,750.00. In addition, this position will be eligible for additional benefits consistent with the role. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be determined based on various factors, including but not limited to: scope of role, level of experience, education, accomplishments, internal equity, budget, and subject to Fair Market Value evaluation. The hiring range listed is a good faith determination of potential compensation at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future.
What you will be doing
Job Summary
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Orthopedics Now provides consistent, immediate access to care for patients with undiagnosed musculoskeletal injuries or sudden onset pain. The program enables rapid triage, initial diagnosis, and expedited connection to the appropriate subspecialized orthopedic care.
The Orthopedics Now Athletic Trainer (AT) is a licensed healthcare professional who practices under physician supervision with a high degree of day-to-day clinical responsibility, while collaborating closely with Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), and Physicians (MD/DO). The AT plays a critical role in front-line musculoskeletal assessment, treatment, patient education, and care coordination within a fast-paced ambulatory setting.
Clinical Care & Triage Responsibilities
The Athletic Trainer provides comprehensive musculoskeletal care within scope of practice under physician supervision, including assessment, treatment, and referral. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Triage and evaluate patients presenting with acute or subacute musculoskeletal complaints
• Assist with diagnosis and treatment planning in collaboration with NP/PA/Physician colleagues
• Participate in the management of conditions, including:
• Bone, joint, and muscle injuries
• Strains, sprains, and suspected dislocations or fractures (including initial management and referral)
• Painful, swollen, or injured joints
• Back and neck pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Sports-related injuries
• Pediatric injuries
• Perform and assist with outpatient procedures within scope (e.g., splinting, bracing)
• Provide gait training and assistive device education
• Deliver patient education on diagnosis, treatment plans, and self-care
• Escalate cases appropriately to ensure timely access to higher levels of care

Patient Flow & Care Coordination Responsibilities

• The AT supports efficient clinic operations and continuity of care by:
• Reviewing patient records prior to visits to support appropriate scheduling and triage in accordance with clinical protocols
• Supporting efficient patient flow and minimizing wait times
• Coordinating check-in/check-out processes and follow-up appointments
• Facilitating referrals, insurance needs, and provider communications
• Serving as a liaison between clinical and administrative teams
• Supporting inventory and supply management
• Assisting with point-of-service administrative tasks, including collections and end-of-day reconciliation, as needed

Job Qualifications
Degree - Required
Master's degree
Licensure/Certification - Required
Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (ATC)
New York State Athletic Trainer Licensure
BLS Certification from the American Heart Association
Experience - Preferred
Minimum of 2 years in an outpatient, ambulatory, or hospital-based setting
Experience documenting and communicating patient status and clinical data (i.e. vital signs, pulse oximetry, height and weight)
Knowledge of conditions or situations requiring escalation to advance practice providers or physicians
Skills - Preferred
Strong musculoskeletal assessment and clinical decision-making skills within scope of practice
Proficiency in bracing, splinting, and gait training
Excellent interpersonal and patient service skills
Ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced clinical environment
High attention to detail with strong organizational skills
Comfort learning and utilizing new clinical and operational systems
Working Conditions
Physical Working Conditions
Continuously stand/walk or lift/handle/carry material or equipment of moderate weight (20 to 50 lbs)
Environmental Working Conditions
Located in an indoor area with frequent exposure to mild physical discomfort from dust, fumes, temperature, and noise. Examples: patient care providers and laboratory technicians.
Hazards
OSHA Category 1
Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and other potentially infectious materials.
POSITION & UNIT ACCOUNTABILITIES - AKA Competencies
Clinical Excellence

• Demonstrates appropriate musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including acute injuries, joint disorders, and sports-related conditions
• Able to execute successful patient training/education with gait training with an assistive device
• Able to successfully fit/apply patient bracing
• Executes outpatient procedures (e.g., splinting) within scope and with technical proficiency
• Uses evidence-based practice to guide decisions and adapts to emerging best practices

Performance Indicators

• Maintains low complication rates in procedures
• Achieves high patient outcomes metrics (e.g., pain reduction, function improvement, patient education)
• Adheres to clinical protocols and demonstrates sound judgment when escalating cases

Patient-Centered Care

• Provides compassionate, empathetic, and culturally sensitive care
• Effectively educates patients on diagnosis, treatment options, and self-care strategies
• Demonstrates commitment to patient safety, comfort, and privacy at all times

Performance Indicators

• Receive consistently high patient satisfaction scores
• Maintains compliance with HEART service standards in all interactions
• Responds to patient concerns promptly and resolves issues effectively

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Works seamlessly with PAs, NPs, physicians, nurses, therapists, and administrative staff to ensure coordinated, efficient patient care
• Contributes actively in interdisciplinary case discussions and care planning
• Offers mentorship and guidance to peers and new staff

Performance Indicators

• Positive peer feedback and recognition for teamwork
• Demonstrates reliability in assisting colleagues during high-volume or urgent periods
• Participates constructively in departmental and cross-functional meetings

Communication Skills

• Maintains clear, concise, and timely written documentation in the EHR
• Uses active listening and adjusts communication style for diverse audiences
• Ensures that all patient/family interactions are informative, respectful, and aligned with hospital values

Performance Indicators

• Documentation consistently meets quality and timeliness standards
• Demonstrates ability to explain complex clinical information in accessible terms
• Minimal errors or clarifications needed in charting or care instructions

Operational Efficiency

• Manage patient flow effectively to minimize wait times without compromising care quality
• Adapts to dynamic schedules and fluctuating caseloads
• Prioritizes tasks and escalates cases appropriately to optimize clinic operations

Performance Indicators

• Meets or exceeds patient volume and throughput targets
• Maintains punctuality and reliability in all shifts
• Demonstrates ability to manage high-volume days with minimal disruption

Professional Development

• Maintains all required licenses, certifications, and continuing education credits
• Seeks out opportunities for skill advancement, including participation in hospital-sponsored trainings, conferences, and research initiatives
• Incorporates new knowledge into practice to improve patient outcomes

Performance Indicators

• Demonstrated application of new skills or techniques in patient care
• Positive contributions to departmental education or process improvement

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Consistently adheres to infection control protocols and safety procedures
• Reports and addresses safety concerns promptly
• Upholds HIPAA regulations and hospital policies regarding patient and institutional confidentiality

Performance Indicators

• Zero breaches in safety or privacy standards
• Maintains a safe, organized, and compliant work environment.

Professionalism & Engagement

• Demonstrates a positive, solutions-focused attitude
• Supports organizational goals and represents HSS standards in all interactions
• Responds constructively to feedback and continuously strives for improvement

Performance Indicators

• Recognized by peers, leaders, or patients for professionalism
• Consistently meets attendance and punctuality expectations
• Contributes ideas for process or service enhancements

Non-Discrimination Policy
Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing high quality care and skilled, compassionate, reliable service to our community in a safe and healing environment. Consistent with this commitment, Hospital for Special Surgery provides care, admits, and treats patients and provides all services without regard to age, race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, national origin, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, veteran or military status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law or by accreditation standards.