Lead Sport Psychologist

Sheffield United FC Academy are committed to being one of the best and innovative developers of talent in the country; to Out Run, Out Fight, Out Play the opposition.

To contribute to this ambition, the Elite Performance Team are looking to recruit an experienced, passionate and knowledgeable Sport Psychologist who can enhance the mental resilience and performance of our players and staff across the Boy's Academy and Women's Team.

The individual will have a comprehensive understanding of the psychological challenges faced by elite athletes and will work closely with all levels of staff to create a culture of mental resilience and excellence.

As part of a progressive and innovative multi-disciplinary team, the individual will help to advance the programme by safely challenging players and staff to maximise their capabilities to provide a performance advantage over our competitors.

Through the lens of sport psychology, the individual will be responsible for overseeing, managing, and developing the OUT FIGHT programmes across the Boy's Academy and Women's team.

Role Responsibilities:

• Plan, deliver and oversee an evidence-based sport psychology framework that meets the needs of the organisation, teams, players and staff, and aligns with the club's objectives.
• Develop an age specific sport psychology programme that aligns with the clubs OUT FIGHT vision.
• Lead the development of a psychologically safe culture, providing ongoing training and development for staff, so they are equipped to deliver the sport psychology framework effectively, to support the players performance potential.
• Line manage the Academy Sport Psychologist (when appointed) and work collaboratively to support and meet the psychological needs of the programme.
• Work in partnership with Head of Academy Elite Performance to embed sport psychology into all aspects of athlete performance support.
• Contribute towards multidisciplinary team processes and holistic athlete support mechanism.
• Include evaluation and monitoring practises to ensure the framework is understood, implemented and continuously meets the needs and objectives of the players, staff and organisation.
• Work closely with coaching and support staff to integrate psychological strategies into training and performance planning.
• Develop the necessary mental skills of players and staff to perform at the highest level of competition.
• Ensure that all practise is aligned to HCPC standards, regulations and code of conduct.
• Participate and lead in internal CPD while pursuing external CPD requirements.
• Project a proper and professional image of Sheffield United Football Club and act in the best interests of the Club at all times.
• Any other typical Lead Sport Psychologist duties as requested by management.
• Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.
• 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:

• Undergraduate degree in Sport Psychology or related field.
• Masters degree in Sport Psychology or equivalent.
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Professional qualifications from either BPS QSEP. BASES SEPAR or HCPC Approved Professional Doctorate.
• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check through the DBS.
• Extensive experience in leading, designing and implementing a sport psychology programme to elite athletes to improve performance.
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver holistic performance services to high performance athletes.
• Experience of working with coaches to integrate sport psychology into the technical and tactical coaching programme.
• Management experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to engage with a range of stakeholders.
• Comprehensive understanding of the psychological demands of high performing environments, ideally with experience of working within football.
• Ability to maintain comprehensive records in line with HCPC standards, regulations and code of conduct.

Desirable Criteria for the Role:

• FA Safeguarding Children certificate.
• FA First Aid (Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football).
• Mental Health First Aid (Adult and/or Child).
• Knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan.