Job Description
Job Overview
The Head Athletic Trainer will manage the day-to-day sports medicine operations for the NWSL Team. In this capacity, the Head Athletic Trainer will provide injury prevention strategies, and evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate Players’ medical problems. This person will work under the direction and supervision of the Director of Medical. The Head Athletic Trainer will work closely with the Director of Medical, Head Coach, and General Manager and communicate daily as needed. The Head Athletic Trainer will work year-round and attend all training, scrimmages, as well as Home and Away Games.
The ideal candidate will have a passion and enthusiasm for being part of a team of coaches, players, and support staff; all with diverse and unique backgrounds. The candidate will thrive in a club environment and demonstrate a commitment to continual refinement and improvement of our team mission and vision to meet the ongoing performance demands of the organization.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities - Manage the healthcare of Players including, but not limited to, first aid/emergency care, on-site injury evaluation, application of appropriate modalities, development and implementation of rehabilitation and prevention programs, and scheduling of medical referrals.
- Monitor any changes in the mental, psychological, and physical health of the Players through daily interactions and discussions with/refer to appropriate Team Medical Staff as indicated.
- Consult with Players regarding dietary needs, and nutritional supplements, and have a familiarity with WADA/FIFA banned substances and GlobalDRO.com and refer to
- CMO/PCSM Team Physician/RD as indicated.
- Comply with OSHA standards regarding blood-borne pathogens.
- Order, maintain, and inventory supplies and clinical equipment.
- Keep the athletic training room and other clinic areas safe, clean, and organized.
- Maintain a complete and up-to-date roster of Player health and participation records in the League’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
- Electronically document accurate first report of injury, physician diagnosis, Player assessments, Player treatments, and return to play dates.
- Initiate insurance/Workers’ Compensation claims for Players.
- Under the direction of the Team CMO/Team Physicians, assist with the organization and maintenance of pharmaceutical inventory and records.
- Organize physical examinations as required by League regulations.
- Supervise Assistant Athletic Trainer(s), Medical Interns, and volunteers.
- Demonstrate high-level interpersonal skills required to work effectively with Players, Team Medical Staff, Coaches, other Team personnel, and League staff.
- Maintain professional liability insurance.
- Compile reports as required by the League.
- Comply with all Chicago Stars FC and League medical policies and protocols.
- Abide by all local, state, and federal laws and regulations specific to their profession, codes, and standards of their governing bodies, and all applicable League Rules and Team policies (e.g., informed consent, medication management, etc.).
- Attend all activities/meetings/programs as required by the Chicago Stars FC and the league.
- Perform other duties as assigned or required by the League.
Licenses or Certifications
- Board of Certification (BOC) Certified Athletic Trainer
- Must be in and maintain good standing with the BOC
- State License or Registration in the state in which the Club calls home (if required by the state)
- CPR certification in Basic Life Support
- Additional recommended certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES) and/or Corrective Exercise Specializations (NASM-CES)
Educational Experience
- Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree or higher in a related healthcare field
Work Experience
- Minimum three (3) years experience working as an Athletic Trainer since passing BOC
- Minimum three (3) years experience caring for elite-level athletes (i.e., collegiate,
- professional, Olympic)
- Experience working in a fast-paced, high-demand environment with competitive athletes
- Soccer experience preferred
Additional recommended qualifications
- Previous experience working with elite athletes in a team sport setting, preferably soccer
- Understanding of and application of data-driven rehabilitation
- Passion for the success of Women’s Professional Sports and some skills or interest in female health i.e., pelvic floor therapies, etc.
- Emphasis in hands-on/manual skills treatment style
- Other pertinent certifications related to healthcare and well-being of athletes including dry needling, etc.
- Ability to work non-traditional hours, including scheduling home games that can/will be weekends, evenings, and some holidays
- Collaborative leadership mindset and all-hands-on-deck attitude
We 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:
Why are you interested in working with the Chicago Stars FC?
How many years of related experience do you have for this role?
Do you have each of the qualifications listed?
Are you available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays?
What is your expected compensation?
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Work experience placement, Local area, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,