Job purpose:

To lead the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries for Academy players, within the Professional Development Phase and Youth Development Phase.

Key roles and responsibilities:

• 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

• Excellent IT skills