Athletics NI seek to recruit a Performance Therapist for April Training Camp in Portugal

07 December 2018

Athletics NI seek to recruit a Performance Therapist for April Training Camp in Portugal

Athletics Northern Ireland is seeking to recruit a Performance Therapist to support their Youth Academy training camp in Portugal (12th-25th April 2019.)  

The information below serves as an invitation for practitioners who meet the criteria to submit their CV and a covering letter as an expression of interest to fulfil the role.

Expressions of interest will be accepted until 5:00pm on Friday 1st February 2019.  The selection process will consist of an initial shortlisting against the essential and desirable criteria, followed by a practical interview if required.

The successful candidate will need to ensure that they are available to meet the requirements of fulfilling the allocated job role.  The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the wider planning process so that an efficient system of athlete support can be implemented at the camp in Portugal.  Feedback to athletes and coaches after the camp will also be required.

Reasonable professional expenses may be payable to the successful candidate. Please indicate expected level of payment in the covering letter. Out-of-pocket expenses incurred in fulfilling the role can be reclaimed. Flights, transfers and half board accommodation will be provided. To express an interest in the role, a CV and covering letter should be submitted by email using the information at the end of this form.

 

Role

Performance Therapist

Reporting to

Athletics NI Coach Development and Physical Preparation Lead ( Laura Kerr ) & Athlete Development Lead (Tom Reynolds)

Dates Active in Role

12th April-25th April 2019 

Location of Work

30 Youth Academy Athletes (15-22 years) and 6 Coaches will reside at Alfamar Sports Resort in Portugal during this Training Camp.  Other training bases including but not limited to Villamoura and Montegordo may be used.  The main site for Performance Therapy will be Alfamar. Some Therapy will be expected to take place trackside with input from the coach but a private indoor space will also be provided.

Personal Specification

Essential Qualifications

Recognised Physiotherapy, Physical Therapy, Osteopathic or Massage/Soft Tissue Therapist Qualification

Essential Experience

Current practitioner with a minimum of 3 years experience working in the UK or Ireland.

Experience treating athletes aged 15-22 years old.

Previous experience providing therapy to athletes to enhance performance and recovery in a competition or training environment.

Desirable Personal Attributes

  •         Proven team player
  •         Driving licence and willingness to drive in Portugal
  •         Excellent communication skills
  •         Committed, dynamic and productive
  •         Excellent organisational skills
  •         Excellent management and people skills
  •         Demonstration of leadership skills

Key Responsibilities

To provide high quality performance therapy services to athletes in conjunction with the appointed track and field coaches. This may include trackside intervention, massage, taping, compression, joint manipulation etc dependant on the scope of practice and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Should the successful applicant be a physiotherapist they will be responsible for assessment and diagnosis of injury. A physical therapist/soft tissue therapist may be responsible for referral of injured athletes to physiotherapist or doctor for assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

To ensure a high standard of health promotion and preventative care in conjunction with other support staff and coaches including the provision of advice on the prevention of illness and injury and compliance with anti-doping recommendations.  Athletes and support staff will attend a ‘Clean Athletics’ anti-doping workshop prior to departure.

To provide accessible support services to all Youth Academy Athletes in the Alfamar Sports Resort and at training venues and all other locations deemed appropriate to meet the requirements of the role.

To liaise with other medical personnel, coaches or support personnel as required to ensure the highest standard of care for athletes in order to optimise performance.

To implement a system of record keeping for the wider athlete support team and to keep these records confidential and secure.

To provide reports relating to athlete performance therapy to Athletics NI Coach Development and Physical Preparation Lead (Laura Kerr) & Athlete Development Lead (Tom Reynolds.)

Special Requirements

Enhanced Access NI Check

Portable Treatment Table (the successful candidate will provide their own treatment table with the cost for airline carriage covered by Athletics NI.)

Tape, massage oil etc  (the therapist will provide their own consumables and the cost of these will be reclaimed from Athletics NI after the trip.)

Written evidence of Professional Liability Insurance that provides full coverage whilst practicing in Portugal must be made available to Athletics NI by the successful applicant.

Knowledge of and adherence to WADA and UKAD documentation and policies (this includes willingness to attend a ‘Clean Athletics’ Workshop.)

Hours of Work

Working hours will be as required to fulfil the role and its significant fluctuating demands during the training camp. The post-holder will be required to acknowledge this and work in a flexible manner to accommodate all requests where appropriate.

It is expected that direct athlete support will be provided on 11 days between the 10th-23rd April with 1 full day off planned for the therapist at the mid-point of the trip.

Relationships and Interfaces

Athletics NI Coach Development and Physical Preparation Lead (Laura Kerr) & Athlete Development Lead (Tom Reynolds)

Works closely with 3-4 Athletics NI Event Group Coaches (sprints/jumps/endurance/throws) and 4-5 travelling personal coaches to understand athlete needs and physical demands of specific Track and Field events.

For further information or to submit a CV and cover letter, please contact:

Laura Kerr

Coach Development & Physical Preparation Lead

laura@athleticsni.org

07752663174

CV/Cover letter should clearly demonstrate essential qualifications, scope of practice and experience.

Expressions of interest will be accepted until 5:00pm on Friday 1st February 2019