Casual Academy Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of the role is to provide medical support to all Academy players under the direction of the Senior Academy Physiotherapist. This is primarily for U9-U16 age groups but will include assistance with U18 age group.

Focus will be on the development of the following areas of support;

• Medical services, including the prevention and treatment of injury

• Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and sports massage

• Strength and conditioning

• Diet and nutrition

Sports science, including physiology, biomechanics, physical testing and measurement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in line with the Club’s strategic objectives and the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).

• Ensure that the necessary medical support services are present at Academy training sessions and games.

• Ensure that the management of injuries effectively meets the Club’s commitments to players, coaches and senior management through clinical audit and accurate documentation.

• Ensure that appropriate recovery and injury prevention strategies are adopted after games and on recovery days.

• Multi-disciplinary communication between staff, players and parents to ensure optimal well-being and development of all players.

• Meet all EPPP guidelines including the recording of all injuries suffered and rehabilitation undertaken by Academy players, and to be responsible for meeting criteria relating to the National Audit of Injury and Rehabilitation.

• Produce regular reports regarding the progress of each player within the Academy and to ensure that the appropriate sports science and medical information is added to each player’s Performance Clock.

• Undertake personal CPD as appropriate to meet the demands of the role.

• Maintain honesty and integrity at all times when working with players at the Club.

• Be presentable, smart and personable at all times when representing the Club.

• Undertake all reasonable tasks assigned by the Academy Director.

Health & Safety:

Employee requirements:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of Health & Safety related guidance and processes within your role and in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.

• Consider the Health & Safety implications of all actions and inaction within your role.

• Support and uphold agreed standards for Health & Safety compliance, including assisting in accident, dangerous occurrence and near miss investigations within your role.

• Follow and adhere to; safe management systems and working practices in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.

• Ensure you have been briefed and are confident in using any equipment prior to use and seek guidance from your line manager as required.

• Regularly review risk assessments, safe working, and management systems associated with your role.

• Liaise regularly with the Club’s appointed Health & Safety representatives to support and maintain compliance

• Maintain records of all Health & Safety issues within your role and area of responsibility.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

• Essentials

• BSc in Physiotherapy or Sports Therapy

• HCPC registration or Society of Sport Therapists registration

• Valid FA Safeguarding Children Certificate

• Valid enhanced CRC check

• Ability to travel between venues as required

• Desirables

• Valid Intermediate Trauma Medical Management in Football (ITMMiF)

• Experience in using the PMA to record and report injury data

• Experience of conducting maturation assessments for young athletes

• Experience of conducting musculoskeletal screening for young athletes

• Experience of pitch side management of injuries

Specific Experience:

• Able to manage a diverse caseload, working individually and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Able to communicate effectively with players, parents/guardians and fellow staff members at all levels, with absolute discretion.

• Approachable, honest and assertive in decision making whilst ensuring upmost professionalism during all Club activities.

• Able to motivate oneself and others.

• Strong IT skills with the ability to use e-mail, Word and PMA to a high standard.

• Able to adapt to the demands of the job and needs of the players and staff.

• Willingness to take part in the delivery of the Academy medical team in-service program.

• Dedicated to self-improvement and continuous professional development.

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

• Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about Luton Town Football Club.

• Ability to work as part of a team as well as using one’s own initiative.

• Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the football club.

• Be an ambassador for Luton Town Football Club, presenting the Club in a positive image at all times.

Additional Information:

• This job will require working a minimum of two evenings per week plus one day each weekend. There may also be scope for extra hours for the suitable candidate.

• This a casual role based on a seasonal basis

• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

The Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the Club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults, have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include Criminal Record Checks and reference checks. These staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officers using the agreed safeguarding procedures.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

The individual must at all times, carry out their duties with due regard to the Clubs policies and procedures and in particular the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

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