What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Athletic Trainer, Carolina Core FC (MLS Next Pro), High Point position at Wake Forest Baptist Health?
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Director of Athletic Training Services and Club Chief Medical Officer (CMO), the outreach athletic trainer is responsible to develop, coordinate and administer a comprehensive medical, sports therapy, and injury rehabilitation & reduction program for the Club. The athletic trainer will manage day to day sports medicine operations and facilitate all orthopedic treatments, therapy and rehabilitation activities for athletes. In this capacity, the athletic trainer determines appropriate return to play status of the Players’; including management of head injuries and concussions, and referral to appropriate medical professionals to ensure optimal level of care. Also works collaboratively with the Sports Medicine Team to ensure service excellence for all Players’.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in athletic training from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) program
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum two (2) or more years’ experience as a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer at the professional, college or university setting, preferably with soccer team sports
- Experience with elite level athletes.
- Experience working in a high tempo, high stress environment.
- Comprehension of Spanish preferred
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION C
- Certified Athletic Trainer by NATA Board of Certification.
- Currently licensed or eligible for a State of North Carolina License in Athletic Training within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to complete American Heart Association Healthcare Provider (BLS), which includes CPR and AED training within 30 days of hire.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Manages the healthcare of Players including, but not limited to: first aid/emergency care, on-site injury evaluation, application of appropriate modalities, development of rehabilitation and prevention programs, as well as conducting rehabilitation and making medical referrals
- Manage daily therapies and treatments utilizing all medical staff, massage therapists, and chiropractors.
- Manage the comprehensive assessment process with the Club staff during the rehabilitation process to help benchmark and quantify where the athlete is at through the recovery period.
- Create a comprehensive programming for the entirety of the rehab process to be shared with all necessary stakeholders. This program should be shared and discussed with the appropriate members of the Club staff.
- Implement treatment program objectives including long and short term goals and an appraisal of those which the patient can realistically be expected to achieve from the program. Assessment measures to determine the effectiveness of the program are incorporated into the program.
- Liaise with the strength & conditioning team to determine the appropriate workload (on-field & in weight room) during the End Stage rehab period prior to clearance for return to competition.
- Report updated player status daily to necessary stakeholders and Club staff.
- Lead daily and weekly meetings with all relevant performance and medical staff members to update status of injured athletes and formulate new plans and programs.
- Establish a pre-season/post-season injury risk assessment & screening protocol for all athletes utilizing recent imaging, biomechanical assessment, and manual testing. The results of this program will be shared amongst the entire sports medicine team.
- Complete set-up of all practice and games including medical supplies, fracture management equipment, hydration, cryotherapy, and any other supplies needed for adequate coverage.
- Ensures an Emergency Action Plan for each venue be put in place and discussed with the campus recreation staff, coaches, and athletes; including local EMS. Exhibit ability to perform essential duties efficiently and accurately with or without reasonable accommodations and without endangering incumbent or other employees.
- Mentor and manage on site education of students enrolled in University-based athletic training education programs or any other healthcare professionals at outreach events (if applicable).
- Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in sports medicine, injury rehabilitation, and performance advancement to enhance the team’s medical care strategies.
- Maintain necessary training on concussion education, management, and care; including acute management of the cervical spine.
- Maintain a complete and up to date roster of Player health and participation records in the provided electronic medical record (EMR) system. Maintains proper documentation for all treatments rendered.
- Ensure all athletic training room sites have appropriate supplies and equipment; recommends new equipment for acquisition and use by the organization. Order maintain and inventory supplies and clinical equipment
- Adheres to departmental dress code when providing on-site Athletic Training services.
- Comply with all MLS medical policies and protocols
- Comply with OSHA standards with regards to blood borne pathogens
- Attend all activities/meetings/programs as required by the League
- The Academy Athletic Trainer will primarily attend all team training sessions and treatment sessions which will include assisting the U13 – U20 teams as needed
- Perform other related clinical duties as required incumbent to State Board of Medicine/ Board of Athletic Training Statue and Rules.
- Other duties as assigned. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent leadership qualities and decision making skills, as well problem solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently & confidently with little daily supervision.
- Strong understanding of the challenges that athletes face, sports injuries, and treatment options
- The ability to prioritize workload to manage time and tasks
- English language proficiency is essential and Spanish language skills are a plus. Additional languages – even better
- High ability to exercise sounds judgement and discretion
- A commitment to diversity and inclusion both internally and externally
- An outstanding work ethic and attention to detail
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with diverse audiences
- Promotes an open atmosphere of communication. Communicates is a professional and timely manner with coaches, physicians, administration staff, families and all members of the healthcare team.
- Informs supervisor, coach, and the healthcare team of issues and resolutions to potential problems as appropriate. Communicates pertinent information horizontally and laterally.
- Maintain confidentiality (FERPA/HIPAA) in matters relating to employees, community partners, patient, family, and visitors.
- Ability to understand and communicate medical terminology with patients, parents, coaches, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
- Works within the Sports Medicine Team concept and accepts assignments based on department need and organizational needs and provides medical coverage as needed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Set hours may vary depending upon departmental needs.
- Some night and/or weekend work required.
- Travel to away matches is required.
- Athletic trainer will provide services in the on-site athletic training room.
- Accept assignments based on department and organizational needs.
- Ability to manage a stressful work environment that includes frequent interruptions.
- Athletic fields may be noisy, hectic, & stressful at times including frequent interruptions. Situational awareness may be necessary.
- Possible exposure to infections, contagious diseases, and patient elements.
- Will occasionally encounter emergency and crisis situations.
