The Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer will manage the day-to-day sports medicine operations for the Portland Thorns per NWSL guidelines and team/leadership expectations. In this capacity, the Director of Medical will be responsible for developing return to play protocols in conjunction with other members of the High-Performance Team. As the Head Athletic Trainer, responsibilities will be to provide injury prevention strategies, and evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate Player’s medical problems. The performance of duties will be under the direction and supervision of the Team’s Chief Medical Officer/Team Physician and in collaboration with the Team Medical Staff. Additionally, the Director of Medical manages the High-Performance Team and medical staff on a day-to-day basis.

The Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer will work closely with the Head Coach, General Manager, and /or Director of Soccer Operations and communicate daily as needed. A year-round employee, the Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer will attend all training, scrimmages, and Home and Away Games.

GENERIC DUTIES

Provide leadership for the High-Performance Team by developing/supporting Portland Thorns and NWSL policies and procedures that are aimed at improving the services provided by the department.
Assists leadership of Portland Thorns to create and maintain a business-like organization that maximizes resources.
Treat all players appropriately and promptly
Collaborate with all coaches, medical and performance staff to coordinate care for injured athletes, monitor progression and create return to play protocols
Actively collaborate with the performance staff and coaches on later stage rehabilitation programs for injured players
Comply with all NWSL medical policies, protocol, and game operations manual
Monitor any changes in mental, psychological, and physical health of the players through daily interactions and discuss with/refer to appropriate Team Medical staff as appropriate

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Arrive at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled start time
Work all games. Be available before and after all activities to prepare and assess athletes for activity
Oversee medical team’s preparation for the game (field prep, player prep, etc.)
Provide pre-game treatment and preparation to players
Provide post-game injury report to all appropriate parties in a timely manner
Evaluate and develop plans of care for all injuries that occur on game day
Arrive at least 90 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each training session
Assist coaching staff and operations staff when required
Work all training sessions. Be available before and after all activities to prepare and assess athletes for activity
Communicate changes in player status/availability in a timely manner
Oversee medical team’s preparation for training (field prep, player prep, etc.)
Evaluate and develop plans of care for all injuries that occur on game day
Lead daily meetings with Medical and Performance staff to finalize all details of training sessions.
Create and submit injury reports and rehabilitation progression daily to Head of Coaching, Head of Performance and General Manager and prior to NWSL matches
Electronically document accurate first report of injury, physician diagnosis, player assessments, player treatments, and return to play dates
Track and manage staff licenses and continuing education plan.
Provide a written daily injury report, rehabilitation progress, treatment schedule, etc. to the appropriate parties in a timely manner
Complete the necessary league and organizational paperwork when required. This includes liability-protecting waivers for all players, trialists, tryouts, etc.
Initiate Workman’s Compensation claims for players
Under the direction of the Team CMO/Team Physicians, assist with the organization and maintenance of pharmaceutical inventory and records.
Lead post-training debrief meeting with Medical Performance and technical staff to guide the next day’s training session.
Delegate responsibilities to members of the medical and performance staff in a way that maximizes their skills set
Direct and manage other medical staff such as: Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapist, Soft Tissue/Massage Therapists, and coordinate care with Team Physicians
Responsible for daily operations, budgets, program growth and development of medical provision
Lead the communication, management, and integration of external medical providers.
Order, maintain and inventory supplies and clinical equipment.
Manage the athletic training room environment.
Maintain a complete and up to date roster of player health and participation records in League-provided electronic medical record system.
Comply with all NWSL medical policies and protocols, including attending meetings as appropriate.
Comply with OSHA Standards with regards to bloodborne pathogens.
In collaboration with the Performance and Medical staff create and monitor off-season training programs.
Support and develop staff to become industry leading practitioners through a consistent performance review process.
Work collaboratively with the Director of Performance and Medical staff to provide multi-disciplinary support, and education, by implementing and monitoring optimal female health, wellbeing, recovery, physical profiling, strength and conditioning, training and match load monitoring, nutrition, psychology, and return to play strategies.
Provide mentorship to medical team to grow/develop individuals’ skills set
Support members of the medical and performance staff in the advancement of their career goals
Provide clear expectations for all members of the medical team
Hold members of the medical team accountable for their individual roles and responsibilities
Help resolve any conflicts or challenges involving members of the medical team
Listen intently to players’ needs, concerns, etc. and be able to effectively communicate with players and then relay important concerns back to coaching staff and GM
Maintain an open relationship with players for them to feel confident in openly sharing medical concerns

REQUIRED SKILLS

Athletic Trainer Certification through the Board of Certification (BOC); In good standing with BOC
Oregon state licensure for Athletic Training
CPR certification in Basic Life Support
Possess personal professional liability insurance
Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree
Master’s Degree or higher in related health care field
Minimum five (5) years’ experience in fast paced, high demand sports environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Understanding of the EXOS methodology (XPS, mentorship, internship, etc.)
Certifications in the Functional Movement System (FMS, SFMA, FCS, etc.)
Education in Strength and Conditioning (BS Exercise Science, CSCS, etc.)
Exposure to Sports Science (CPSS)
Medical soccer experience preferred
Experience in management of staff preferred
Experience caring for elite athletes preferred
Licensed PT in State of Oregon

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.