Job Purpose:
To lead the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries for Academy players, within the Professional Development Phase and Youth Development Phase.
Key responsibilities and duties:
- Lead the Physiotherapy provision for the PDP, primarily the U18s squad inclusive of rehabilitation, prehabilitation and screening
- Assist the Head of Medical with the treatment and rehabilitation of the U21’s squad.
- Liaise with the YDP Lead Physiotherapist around the Physiotherapy provision for the U15-U16s players
- Assist in the arranging/ deployment of schoolboy medical cover for the U9s – U16s programme
- Provide physiotherapy cover for U18s and U21s training sessions based at Christopher Park & Stadium Way, as required.
- Provide match day cover for PDP games programme, as required.
- Assess, treat, and rehabilitate players through all stages of injury/ rehabilitation to return to play.
- Work in collaboration with Academy Sports Science department on end stage rehabilitation programmes for injured players.
- Complete specific strength, power, and proprioception work as well as field-based rehabilitation for return to play.
- Follow the appropriate treatment programme for players and provide records of those treatments via an online records system (Kitman Labs).
- Work closely with the Academy Coaches to keep them fully informed on the treatment, rehabilitation programmes and fitness of players within respective age groups.
- Communicate effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary team (Coaches, Strength & Conditioners etc.) regarding squad availability, injury status and rehabilitation progress.
- Assist with the provision of injury prevention screening and strategies.
- Accompany academy players and other WAFC players (when required) to consultations and investigations.
- Work in collaboration with all members of the medical and sport science department across the Academy and first team to promote best practice and contribute to department CPD sessions.
- Accurately record medical notes via our online system in keeping with CSP and HCPC standards and complete weekly injury reports.
Qualifications:
(Essential)
- BSc degree in Physiotherapy
- Health and Care Professions council (HCPC) registered.
- Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).
- Current ATMMiF First Aid Qualification
(Desirable)
- Post-graduate qualification in Strength & Conditioning / Physiotherapy
Experience:
(Essential)
- Demonstrable clinical experience.
- Experience of working with young athletes, preferably in professional football
Knowledge, skills and qualities:
(Essential)
- Evidence of an ongoing CPD portfolio and commitment to continuous professional development
- Ability to use the PMA on-line system for medical documentation.
- Strong anatomy and physiological knowledge.
- Good understanding of stages of rehabilitation and exercise progression and how to apply them.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to adapt and take on new initiatives.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to plan and organise work effectively.
- Strong team working skills.
- Flexible to meet the requirements of the needs of the business.
- Willingness to learn and continuously develop.
- Willingness and ability to travel to different sites.
(Desirable)