Role description

About the job
ROLE DESCRIPTION:


To strengthen and further develop our first team staff, we are looking to recruit a Head Physiotherapist, who ideally will have previous experience in a similar role. The position will be full-time, overseeing all first team fixtures as well as providing daily medical support to the First Team squad. This will include pitch side cover at training sessions, as well as injury rehabilitation and gym-based work. Assistance with overseeing Academy staff will also be required at times.


The successful candidate will be a graduate in Physiotherapy with a background in sport. Demonstratable experience in a first team football environment would be extremely advantageous, although those from Academy backgrounds with the aspiration of transitioning into senior football are also encouraged to apply.


PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


o Lead on all first-term day-to-day medical matters at Rochdale Association Football Club.

o Offer expertise to Academy medical staff to ensure that provision across all age groups is of an excellent standard, and that all age groups are appropriately catered for.

o Provide exceptional matchday medical cover at both home and away fixtures for first-team squad members. o Manage and deploy a small team to oversee all first-team training sessions.

o Ensure full medical screenings are undertaken for potential new first-team signings.

o Diagnose and rehabilitate first-team players who pick up injuries, with the aim of having high player availability throughout each season.

o Collaborate with Performance / Sports Science staff members to ensure that each and every player is being provided with bespoke programmes to the highest standards possible.

o Manage medical equipment and ensure key items remain well stocked.

o Responsibility for communication with various governing bodies (The Football Association, The National League, etc) on medical matters arising from time to time.

o Commitment to undertaking continual professional development in order to maintain an up to date understanding of best practice.


PERSON SPECIFICATION: ESSENTIALS:


o Degree or postgraduate qualification in Physiotherapy. o Appropriate pitch side medical qualification (ITMMiF, ATMMiF, etc, with the latter strongly favoured).

o Experience of working with professional athletes.

o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

o Able to work unsociable hours (e.g. commuting to away fixtures, with possible overnight stays).


‘NICE TO HAVES’:


o Senior football experience in the Premier League / EFL / National League.

o Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a football environment.

o Experience of leading small gym-based sessions.

o Ability to lead and develop a small team.

o Based in or around Greater Manchester.


From time to time, the successful applicant may be asked to assist with activity essential to club operations that is not outlined in the above day to day duties. The successful applicant must carry out his/her duties with due regard for Rochdale Association Football Club Limited policies and procedures, and act in the best interest of Rochdale Association Football Club Limited at all times.


The successful applicant must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations.


The Rochdale AFC family is wholly committed to safeguarding, and promoting the welfare and safety of young people. We fully expect our Board, employees, and volunteers to demonstrate and communicate this commitment at all times. As such, a DBS check will be required in order to undertake this post.


Any applications or expressions of interest should consist of a CV and brief Covering Letter (maximum 1 side of A4), and be sent to -- before the application deadline of May 31st 2023 at 5.00pm. Due to the nature of the role early applications are encouraged, and the interview process may commence prior to the date listed above.