DUTIES
Reporting to the Head Athletic Therapist, the Therapist is a Certified Athletic Therapist or Physiotherapist in good standing responsible for the delivery of medical services for all varsity athletes including, but not limited to: assessment of athlete injuries, treatment of athlete injuries, ordering medical supplies, recruiting student trainers, providing education sessions to student trainers, coordinating event medical coverage, and providing event medical coverage. This position is responsible for providing therapeutic treatments involved in the prevention, immediate care, rehabilitation, and reconditioning of sports injuries sustained by varsity student-athletes at the University. In coordination with the head athletic therapist, this position will also be responsible for assisting with the development and management of a concussion management plan for TRU Athletics. The incumbent is responsible for adhering to the professional standards of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association and BC Athletic Therapists association or the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia. He/she is also responsible for ensuring the information, diagnoses, and rehabilitation provided to student athletes is accurate, professional and complete.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
-Provide all therapy services for varsity athletics.
-Recruit student trainers to work with varsity teams.
-Provide education sessions and supervise student trainers working with varsity teams.
-Provide ongoing mentorship and training opportunities for student trainers.
-Provide medical support to varsity athletes including emergency care, on-site rehabilitation at interuniversity competitive events, accurate and timely assessment, rehabilitation, post-operative care, return to sport progressions and injury prevention.
-Ensure that pre-participation medical exams are complete, and athletes are approved for training/competition.
-Maintain and update an injury tracking system; communicate directly with coaches regarding the health and fitness status of their student athletes.
-Provide or coordinate medical coverage for all required varsity athletic events; which includes both at home and away venues.
-Coordinate all physician appointments for student athletes, as required.
-Inventory, set-up and preparation of emergency equipment and supplies including medical kits for each team.
-Educate student-athletes and student-trainers on the Canadian Anti-doping program (CADP) and other health care topics associated with participation in U SPORTS.
-Knowledgeable about policy to limit risk associated with athletes and teams including medical screening, insurance requirements, event coverage, and return to play decision making.
-Effectively coordinate and communicate with athletes, student trainers, coaches, administrative personnel, and other health care team members to meet the overall needs of student-athletes and their return to play.
-Ensures that financial resources and expenditures are managed in a manner that complies with University policy.
-Maintain active contact with other CWUAA and U SPORTS medical personnel with respect to current policies, procedures and directions affecting student-athletes and others.
-Comply with all Canada West and U SPORTS medical policies.
-Collect, review and, where applicable, refer on to the physician, all pre-season medical forms for new and returning athletes.
-Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Athletic Therapist or Director in support of the operation of the unit.
REPORTS TO
Head Athletic Therapist
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
-Professional designation of CAT(c) or registered physiotherapist
-Member in good standing with the Canadian Athletic Therapists’ Association or the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia
-Bachelor’s degree in a related field or higher education as required to fit registration guidelines
-Minimum of five years of clinic and field experience
-Current First Aid, First Responder, AED and CPR certifications
-Ability to communicate effectively with coaches, athletes, staff, and health care professionals; draft correspondence, documentation, and reports
-Proven ability to work in a team environment
-Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal sensitively with individuals
-Ability to multitask and work under pressure
-Must be available to work flexible hours
-Strong supervisory skills
-Proven ability to provide training to student therapists
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a high volume position and requires the ability to work under pressure in a fast paced environment, with an ability to multitask to balance athletic therapy and administrative work. Effective communication, sometimes difficult, with all stakeholders including student-athletes, coaches, health care practitioners, administrative personnel and the community is essential. Evenings, weekends and considerable hours are required throughout the athletic season. Extensive travel with varsity teams is a major component of this position. The successful candidate will be required to cover events in a variety of environments and may face variable temperatures and weather conditions. Additionally, the incumbent will be required to occasionally lift greater than 50 lbs.
