Head of Academy Sport Science & Medicine

Department   

Academy   

Report to        

Academy Manager

Contract         

Full Time (40 hours)

Working Pattern        

Flexible, including home and away fixtures

The Role         

To be responsible for the medical provision for training & match day, as well as daily rehabilitation of U21’s squad players. Working hours will follow those of the U21’s squad, plus any additional hours as needed in order to ensure adequate cover of all Academy training sessions and fixtures.

Core Duties    

• Lead and manage the Sport Science & Medicine department within the Academy.
• Be responsible for the management and delivery of the Sport Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme for all Academy Players registered with the club.
• Work daily in conjunction with the U21s MDT to cover U21’s training sessions, plan gym-based rehabilitation programmes and liaise with the Head of Performance/ Strength & conditioning staff regarding pitch-based rehabilitation.
• Complete musculo-skeletal screening of U21s players and assist with MSK screening of U18s and U9-U16 players, and help with the implementation of injury prevention programmes.
• Attend specialist appointments with U21s players.
• Work closely with the Lead Sport Scientist and Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach to monitor, review and develop the physical programme for Academy players.
• Ensure the Academy Sport Science & Medicine department are compliant with EPPP rules.
• Record treatments and rehabilitation daily on software system and complete audit of injuries at the end of the season.
• Weekly Injury report to keep MDT updated on status of injured players.
• Oversee the planning and organization of the academy medical department, including but not limited to ensuring medial cover for all academy fixtures, liaising with paramedics and ambulance staff regarding games cover, completing staff rota.
• Form good working relationships with other members of the academy medical team and strive to improve each member through ongoing CPD and non-formal tutoring.
• Ensure good lines of communication regarding relevant players and injury from the academy up to first team medical staff.
• Ensure ongoing internal CPD for all members of full and part-time staff.
• To undertake both internal and external CPD.
• To ensure all work is undertaken in line with legal requirements of society/council membership.

Qualifications

• Physiotherapy degree
• Registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council
• Hold an Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATTMiF) qualification

Skill, Knowledge & Experience

• A minimum of 5 years post BSc qualification experience
• A minimum of 3 year's experience of leading a medical/performance department
• Experience of working with adolescents within a sporting environment.
• Good understanding of pediatric injuries and management
• Good clinical reasoning
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team in the delivery of medical services
• Good range of treatment and rehabilitation skills.

GENERAL STATEMENT

Should an adequate number of applications be received prior to the closing date, Swansea City AFC reserve the right to remove this advert.

Due to a high demand in applications the Club will be unable to respond to those applicants who have not been shortlisted for interview.

SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE

The Company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people involved in activities and event at the Company. As part of the Company’s recruitment and selection process any offers of work involving working in regulated activity with children are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Disclosure and barred list check (depending on the level of supervision, frequency, and nature of contact with children).

The Company may also conduct online searches of candidates who have been shortlisted as part of its safer recruitment procedures.  Appropriate references will be required.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

Swansea City AFC strives to ensure it provides an environment where everyone's rights, dignity and individual worth is respected and takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.  Equal Opportunity is an integral part of our recruitment and selection process, and we welcome applications from all individuals who feel they meet the core requirements of the role.

We are particularly encouraging applications from women, disabled people and individuals from diverse ethnic communities who are currently under-represented within the organisation.

All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role.