Sheffield United FC are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Player Care & Education Officer to join our growing Women's Academy. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of our talented female players, ensuring they receive the support and guidance needed to excel both on and off the pitch.

The ideal candidate will be a highly organised and motivated individual with a strong background in player care, welfare, or performance lifestyle support. You'll possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with our academy players, their families, and the wider academy team.

Role Responsibilities:

Build strong relationships with Academy players and their parents.
Be a key member of the Academy Management Team (AMT) and support the AMT in enhancing the Academy experience for all players.
Develop a strategy, in collaboration with Safeguarding, for ongoing collaboration and engagement with parents and carers of Players. This includes establishing a mechanism for gathering the views of Academy players and their parents to improve the academy experience.
Assist the AMT and build on the current framework to develop and deliver an outstanding personal development/lifestyle programme that is differentiated and meets the needs of all Academy players.
Ensure each Player has an Educational Individual Development Plan, which is regularly updated and maintained.
Oversee and maintain the Club's Day release programme, ensuring relationships are built with education establishments.
Support the Academy Manager and Academy Operations Lead in designing and delivering a Parent Information Curriculum that makes use of the Academy's multi-disciplinary teams.
Contribute to the Academy's Player Support Group, which provides welfare/pastoral support to Academy players where appropriate.
Share key player care information with relevant staff.
Support with driving and maintaining high standards across the Academy.
Complete any other reasonable requests as directed by management.

Club Wide Responsibilities:

To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
To report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
To report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
To adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
To carry out/take part in training requests as directed by the Club.

Essential Criteria for the Role:

Completion of Welfare/Safeguarding training
Relevant experience in pastoral care, player care, or performance lifestyle support.
Experience working in a highly confidential environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to be clear, concise, and engaging in written and verbal communication.
Exceptional organizational and planning skills, effectively managing multiple tasks and conflicting deadlines while maintaining focus.
Teamwork, collaborating effectively with diverse individuals within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Ability to work under pressure, maintaining composure and prioritizing effectively in high-pressure situations.
Adaptability and problem-solving, thriving in a dynamic environment, readily adapting to change, and finding solutions to complex issues.
Proactive self-improvement, driven to succeed and continuously improve skills and knowledge.
Approachable demeanor, fostering a warm and approachable environment, building trust and positive relationships with players, families, and colleagues.
Proficiency in computer applications, including strong skills in Word, Excel, and ideally, database knowledge and application.
Ability to motivate and inspire others, demonstrating an energetic, engaging, and enthusiastic personality.

Desirable Criteria for the Role:

Experience of an elite sport environment and the challenges faced in them
Level 3 Certificate in Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support

Academy Player Care & Education Lead