Part-Time Academy Therapist/Rehabilitator

Reporting to: Senior Academy Physiotherapist

Contract Type: Part-Time (Differing set hours available – primarily evening and weekends with optional daytime work)

Locations: Vale Park, AFC Norton, Keele University, Staffordshire University, Alsager

Key Responsibilities

• Provide medical cover across the Academy, including training sessions and fixtures.
• Lead on-pitch and gym-based rehabilitation sessions.
• Undertake injury assessments and lead injury management, rehabilitation and return-to-play processes across the Academy programme for given age-groups.
• Produce and maintain accurate medical records in accordance with professional standards.
• Deliver injury prevention, pre-activation, and gym- and pitch-based rehabilitation programmes.
• Lead Fundamental Movement Screening, Musculoskeletal Screening and SCAT testing for given-age groups.
• Provide the Senior Academy Physiotherapist regular injury updates after each session, game and clinic to allow effective communication and injury management.
• Participate in the Academy CPD programme.
• Collaborate with the wider staff team to support the holistic development and wellbeing of Academy players.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of Academy medical processes and best practice.

Essential:

• Degree in Physiotherapy, Sports Therapy, Sports Rehabilitation or a related field.
• FA Level 4 Immediate Trauma Medical Management in Football (ITMMiF) qualification.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with players, parents and colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively within both the medical department and wider
• multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, professional sporting environment.
• Flexible approach to meet the demands of elite Academy football.
• Valid FA Safeguarding Children certificate.
• Willingness to undergo Enhanced DBS.

Desirable:

• Experience working within professional football or an Academy environment.
• Degree in Physiotherapy.
• FA Level 5 Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF) qualification.
• Experience delivering pitch-side medical cover.
• Experience managing musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation programmes within youth sport.

Safeguarding Statement

Port Vale Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups.

Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013).  Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references.

Health and Safety

Your core Health and Safety responsibilities are as follows:

• Lead by example always being diligent and observant.
• Ensure safety & risk are considered within all projects alongside the Head of Academy Education, Safeguarding Lead & Player Care Officer and any other necessary staff.
• Ensure a safe and respectable learning environment for all players and staff to maximise their holistic development.
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Equality Statement

The employee must always carry out their duties with due regard to Port Vale Football Club policies and procedures.

The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

The employee must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.