Job Overview

The Academy Head Athletic Trainer/Therapist, under the supervision of the Club’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Director of Sports Medicine, will manage daily sports medicine operations for Chattanooga Football Club’s MLS NEXT teams. These responsibilities include educating players, implementing injury prevention strategies, and providing evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for player medical concerns.

The Academy Athletic Trainer/Therapist, a full-time, year-round employee, will attend all training sessions, scrimmages, and games. They will work closely on a daily basis with the Head Coaches and Director of Soccer Operations and must be fully dedicated to MLS NEXT team activities.

This role plays a critical role in fulfilling the Chattanooga FC’s purpose to build community through the world’s game. You will be expected and empowered to facilitate the success of CFC football initiatives and events, advancing the sport and creating memorable experiences for players and fans alike.

Essential Functions
Success in this role requires a self-starter who is innovative, driven, solution-oriented with the ability to work independently. Working under the supervision of the First Team Head Athletic Trainer and Chief Medical Officer, the Head Academy Athletic Trainer will:

  • Manage the healthcare of players to minimize risk of injury through awareness, education, and prevention strategies
  • Recognize the need and appropriately refer players to the specific discipline accordingly
  • Effectively prioritize players and their injury timelines according to the competitive environment
  • Adhere to the standards of HIPAA and OSHA concerning bloodborne pathogens
  • Ensure sufficient club medical supplies by maintaining organized inventory and proactive ordering.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in the athletic training room to ensure safety
  • Ensure the team's electronic medical record (EMR) system is consistently maintained with comprehensive and up-to-date player health and participation information
  • Comply with all League medical policies and protocols and compile reports as required
  • Maintain pharmaceutical records and inventory organization under the supervision of Club physicians
  • Facilitate medical examinations in compliance with league regulations
  • Inspire and develop Assistant Athletic Trainer/Therapist (s) and/or Interns to foster a team that will ensure the highest quality of care
  • Demonstrate interpersonal skills required to work effectively and efficiently with players, coaches, other club personnel and league staff
  • Collaborate with Strength and Conditioning/Performance staff to ensure that athlete health and safety data is communicated and utilized effectively
  • Facilitate communication with both technical staff and parents to enhance collaborative care
  • Advise players on dietary requirements, nutritional supplements, and substances prohibited by the League and FIFA
  • Proactively work to assist others in achieving the Organization’s and League’s objectives
  • Other duties needed to help drive the CFC Purpose, fulfill our Mission, foster our Vision

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree
  • Preferred Master’s degree or higher in related healthcare field
  • One (1) year certified athletic trainer/therapist experience
  • Experience working in a high tempo, high stress environment
  • On-field soccer experience
  • Academy level (soccer) medical experience preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft applications and knowledge of current technologies preferred
  • Excellent collaboration, communication and interpersonal skills for team information sharing
  • Ability to analyze situations, identify challenges, and develop innovative solutions
  • Capacity to adapt to changing priorities and challenges
  • Commitment to continuous learning and skill development

Licensing and Certifications

  • NATABOC (or CATA) Certified Athletic Trainer/Therapist
  • In good standing with NATABOC
  • State License in the state of Tennessee
  • CPR/First Aid certification for Healthcare Provider- for children and adults
  • Maintain professional liability insurance
  • Additional certifications preferred such as CSCS, Certified Performance Sport Specialist (CPSS), or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
  • Possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license

Additional Requirements

  • Must have or be willing to complete SafeSport training
  • Maintain legally required employment eligibility
  • Bilingual (Spanish speaking) preferred but not required

Physical Requirements

Medium - Heavy lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 25 pounds frequently. Bending, stretching, and reaching requires. Some sitting and climbing, crouching, kneeling, and standing for extended time.

Physical Environment: This position is routinely exposed to external elements which include heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid and extreme weather conditions. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Supplemental Information

Department: Academy

Work Schedule: Monday – Sunday, Hours will vary due to work assignment. Must be able to work flexible hours which will include extended days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overnights due to travel.

FLSA Status: Full-time Salary Exempt

This position requires pre-employment screening(s) that include: background check

Chattanooga FC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CFC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Interested candidates need to apply at Academy Head Athletic Trainer / Therapist