Line Manager: Head of Medical / Academy Director
Overall Purpose of Job:
To provide the highest standard of evidence-based care, in line with the departments strategic plan. To provide effective Physiotherapy to the Under 18’s squad and Youth Academy, while assisting the first team when required as directed by the head of department and contribute to the overall success of the Medical and Football Science department. The role involves evening and weekend work, and organisation of youth academy fixture Physiotherapy cover.
Main Responsibilities/Description of Duties:
- To provide evidence-based care to full-time athletes throughout all stages of the injury process.
- Contribute to the departments injury prevention strategies and pro-actively seek out new ideas.
- Provide comprehensive electronic medical records for the confidential storage of patient notes via club software.
- In conjunction with the Medical and Football Science department, devise treatment plans for injured players with an emphasis on decreasing injury incidence.
- To assist in profiling physical aspects of professional players.
- Travel with squads when required for both training camps and competitive fixtures.
- Actively engage with professional development, contributing to the objectives of the department.
- Embraces evidence-based practice and shows a desire to stay at the forefront of sports medicine.
- Maintain excellent communication between department and football management.
- Applicant must be highly motivated, displaying a strong team ethic, and have a desire to develop personally and as part of the Medical and Football Science team.
- To lead the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of all U18 and Youth Academy players.
- Assist with First Team Physiotherapy provision at the request of Senior Physiotherapist’s when required.
- To organise weekly clinic times for youth academy Physiotherapy appointments and liaise with coaches as to best management of youth athletes.
- To organise matchday Physiotherapy cover for all Youth Academy fixtures, utilising existing sessional Physiotherapists.
- In conjunction with head of the department, continue to improve the running and the organisation of the youth academy physiotherapy provision.
- To provide U18, and Youth Academy physiotherapy match cover as required by the Club, utilising Physiotherapy partners when necessary.
- To ensure the management of injuries effectively meets its commitments to the players, coaches and senior management through clinical audits and accurate electronic recording of documentation.
- To play an active role within the pre-signing medical of U18 and Youth Academy players.
- To accompany youth players to medical consultations, ensuring best practice is followed at all times and the player is receiving the optimal advice at all times.
- To assist in departmental clinical data collection / monitoring / audits / research and evaluating for best practice as required by the department.
- To assist in the production of annual injury audits in association with the Senior Physiotherapists and report back to Football Management and Youth Academy.
- To ensure all Youth Academy medical equipment and procedures are regularly reviewed and maintained.
- Assist in the production and maintenance of emergency action plans and department procedure documents.
- To assist in the education of U18 and Youth Academy players in terms of injury prevention, injury care, post match recovery and drug awareness.
Experience/qualifications/training
Qualifications - essential:
- BSc or MSc (Pre-registration) Physiotherapy
- HCPC registered
Qualifications - desirable:
-
Working towards or have MSc in a Sports Physiotherapy or related degree.
Knowledge & experience - essential:
- Experience of working in an elite Football or sporting environment;
- Proven track record of returning athletes safely to competition;
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment, incorporating all aspects of sports medicine and science;
- Evidence of advanced clinical reasoning skills.
Knowledge & experience - desirable:
- Experience of working with elite athletes.
- Worked with elite athletes from a range of sports;
- UK Anti-Doping qualifications. Experience working with adolescent athletes.
- Travelled with professional squads;
Training
- Current advanced pitch side trauma certificate (Sport PROMOTE or equivalent).
- Excellent IT and presentation skills.
Personal qualities
- Dynamic, hardworking and enthusiastic.
- Excellent communication skills while being able to motivate athletes.
- Team focused and able to act for the good of the team/department.
- Professional and diligent with their work.
- Self-driven and able to work effectively under pressure.
- Receptive to feedback about own behaviour, strengths and areas for improvement.
- Flexibility and willingness to learn.
Those interested in the role should submit a CV & cover letter to gerry.docherty@stmirren.com