Social Services: Homeless Shelter A Day in the Life of a Certified Athletic Trainer… © 2008 National Athletic Trainers Association

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Mark Nienhuis, ATC, brings a whole new meaning to social service in his job as wellness coordinator with Catholic Charities. Using his skills and knowledge as an athletic trainer, Nienhuis is lending a helping hand to those who need him most– the homeless. © 2008 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Mark manages the health and wellness programs for needy individuals in the Joliet area. He provides the following services: – Health education classes – Health screenings and assessments – Access and links to human service & advocacy – Personal health/wellness counseling The people he treats are: – Ages – Most are homeless

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA I Am An Athletic Trainer Working In Name: Mark Nienhuis, ATC Title: Wellness Coordinator Employer: Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet Job location: Joliet, Illinois Mark Nienhuis, ATC is using his athletic training skills to help provide care for under- privileged and homeless individuals. Social Services

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Social Services A Day in the life of an Social Services Athletic Trainer Educational Background: Degree: Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Illinois Major: Fitness Leadership Minor: Sports Medicine with an emphasis in Cardiac Rehabilitation Additional Training Stephen Minster Training Non-violent crisis intervention training program.

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Catholic Charities of Joliet: An Overview Established in 1949 Day Break, one facet of the charity, is a 24- hour emergency homeless shelter One of 52 programs within the Diocese of Joliet, Ill Brings members of the community, church, business, healthcare and government together to develop effective responses to human needs Provides professional human services Advocates for a just and compassionate society

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Catholic Charities- Staff 315 employees company-wide ranging from social workers to counselors. I am the only certified athletic trainer working here. I am the only athletic trainer at my location and am responsible for the health and wellness of children, families and seniors. Several nurses are employed at Catholic Charities, too.

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA A Day in the Life of a Social Services Athletic Trainer A typical schedule for my job is: 35-hours per week 5 days per week 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA A Day in the life of a Social Service A Day in the life of a Social Service Athletic Trainer Salary range $33,000-$43,000 Employee benefits – Estimated worth = $12,000 Medical Dental Vision Life LTD Pension 403B Vacation Sick days Holiday

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Daily Duties- Morning Check and respond to and voic . – Issues are: referrals to medical/dental services, assistance with medical bills, prescription assistance, anger management program, health crisis Set up and monitor volunteers leading the health education classes Check and respond to computer information regarding the clients we serve. – I ensure the staff is informed about details of client crises– suicide, 911 calls, outbreaks of lice, MRSA, etc. Meet with clients during scheduled appointments – I meet with the homeless, low income community residents – Meet with about three individuals per day – Meetings are about 45 minutes each – We discuss various health/wellness needs © 2008 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Daily Duties-Afternoon Meet with clients during scheduled appointments. Case management Teach health/wellness classes – Topics include: stress/anger management, fitness, hygiene, disease prevention, substance abuse, mental health, spirituality – Classes last one hour Complete client case notes – SOAP format Enter services rendered into computer – General service needs include: wellness programs, health care, mental health care & counseling, prescription expense assistance and advocacy © 2008 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Other Duties Back to School Fair Health Committee Chair Health services advisory committee for Catholic Charities – Meet semi-annually – Purpose of committee is to provide educational services and technical assistance to staff – We review and make suggestions to written plans, documents and menus – Other members of the Board: MDs, DDS, Nurses, Parents, Head Start Staff Serve on the Will Co. Coalition of Illinois breast and cervical cancer program I wear all hats if needed (800)TRY-NATA

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA On-Site Client Meetings & Programs Three client appointments per day One hour a day in meetings – Provide presentations to employees or management – General meetings with Safety Director, HR Manager, Occupational Health Nurse, etc. One hour per day teaching health education Three hours per day providing direct client service One hour teaching health education One hour a day answering s, telephone calls, etc. One hour a day coordinating and developing wellness programs and services

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA The Path Less Followed As an athletic training student I wanted to work in the high- school setting. My first job was as an outreach athletic trainer in a sports medicine clinic. I made a career change because I had a strong desire to work with a needier population. So I worked hard in seeking out and getting my current job.

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA The Learning Curve Improvement of time-management skills to accommodate a higher work load in a fast-paced environment Would have benefited from knowing more about the homeless population, including: – Their special needs Poor health Mental Illness Disabilities Life skills Addiction – The medical conditions that affect them. Some examples include Diabetes Asthma Communicable diseases Mental illness Depression Heart Disease

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Essential Skill Sets to Work in Social Services Caring attitude Integrity Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Sense of Humor

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Where I Find Additional & Helpful Information About the Social Service Setting: Books – The Health Care of Homeless Persons by James J. OConnell, MD – National Health care for the Homeless Council: Web sites: – Medlineplus.org Conferences/Symposiums – Partners in Action (Through the IL Public Health Institute) Associations/Organizations – NATA – Illinois Athletic Trainers Association – Campaign for Better Health Care – United Church of Christ

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Learn more at Career Development Resources Visit Career Development Resources on NATA Web site and find: - Videos - Brochures - PowerPoint Presentations - Studies - Marketing Materials - Advisors to assist with your specific questions *NATA members only section Visit Career Development Resources TODAY © 2008 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Still need more information about Athletic Trainers in Social Services? Contact the NATA National Office Staff: Kathryn Ayres, PR and Marketing Coordinator | ext. 138 Write to Mark Nienhuis:

© 2009 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA Looking for a JOB? Want to hire an athletic trainer? Visit the NATA Career Center today and find resources to help you find a job or hire an athletic trainer. © 2008 National Athletic Trainers Association (800)TRY-NATA