THE ROLE: The Head Athletic Trainer is responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries for the Portland Thorns. This role includes the oversight of the medical team across the entire Portland Thorns Football Club. In collaboration with the Performance Director, the Head Athletic Trainer reports to the General Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Player Treatment:

• Treat all players appropriately and promptly.
• Actively collaborate with the performance staff and coaches on all stages of rehabilitation programs for injured players.
• Comply with all Club and NWLS medical policies, protocol, and game operations manuals.

Match Day Responsibilities:

• Work all games, including pre- and post-game activities to prepare and assess athletes for activity.
• In conjunction with the Performance Department, determine availability parameters for players and communicate recommendations to the technical staff.
• Oversee the medical team’s preparation for the game (field prep, player prep, etc.).
• Provide pre-game treatment and preparation to players.
• Provide post-game injury reports to all appropriate parties in a timely manner.
• Evaluate and develop care plans for all injuries that occur on game day.

Training Session Responsibilities:

• Work all training sessions, being available before and after activities to prepare and assess athletes.
• In conjunction with the Performance Department, determine availability parameters for players and communicate recommendations to the technical staff.
• Communicate changes in player status/availability in a timely manner.
• Oversee the medical team’s preparation for training (field prep, player prep, etc.).
• Evaluate and develop care plans for all injuries that occur during training sessions.
• Assist coaching staff and operations staff when required.

Administrative Duties:

• Create and submit injury reports.
• Electronically document accurate first reports of injury, physician diagnoses, player assessments, player treatments, and return-to-play dates.
• Provide written daily injury reports, rehabilitation progress, treatment schedules, etc., to appropriate parties in a timely manner.
• Complete necessary league and organizational paperwork, including liability-protecting waivers for all players, trialists, tryouts, etc.

Leadership:

• Delegate responsibilities to members of the medical staff in a way that maximizes their skill sets.
• Direct and manage other medical staff such as Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Soft Tissue/Massage Therapists, and additional contractors.
• Manage the athletic training room environment, creating a safe space for all persons.
• Maintain a complete and up-to-date roster of player health and participation records in the League-provided electronic medical record system.
• Comply with all NWSL medical policies and protocols, including attending meetings as appropriate.
• Comply with OSHA Standards regarding bloodborne pathogens.
• In collaboration with the Performance and Medical staff, create and monitor off-season training programs.
• 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 staff to grow/develop individuals’ skill sets.
• 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 and concerns, effectively communicate with players, and relay important concerns to coaching staff and GM.
• Maintain an open relationship with players to foster confidence in openly sharing medical concerns.

Miscellaneous:

• Maintain cleanliness of the training room and all equipment.
• Assist and collaborate with the team physician.
• Maintain a professional appearance, wearing Portland Thorns or appropriate apparel at all events.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Athletic Trainer Certification through the Board of Certification.
• Oregon state licensure.
• Current professional CPR certification.
• Possess personal professional liability insurance.
• Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s Degree in a related health care field.
• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a sports environment, preferably with soccer team sports.
• Management of staff.
• Medical soccer experience.
• Previous experience working with female, pregnant, and post-partum athletes.
• Familiarity with the EXOS methodology (XPS, mentorship, internship, etc.).
• Exposure to Strength and Conditioning (BS Exercise Science, CSCS, etc.).
• Exposure to Sports Science (CPSS).

COMPENSATION: Competitive salary ($100-$120K plus bonus), commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and a 401k plan.

The Portland Thorns 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.

Job Questions:

• Are you able to work in the US without sponsorship?

To Apply: To apply, please submit a copy of your resume along with a cover letter detailing your interest and related experience to the position.

Due to the high volume of resumes received, we regret that we are unable to update candidates on the status of their application. Those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails.