Head Athletic Trainer

PORTLAND THORNS

Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record last year with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

THE ROLE

Responsible to diagnose, treat and prevent injuries for the Portland Thorns. Oversight of medical team over the entirety of the Portland Thorns Football Club. In collaboration with the Performance Director, reports to the General Manager.

Essential Functions

• Treat all players appropriately and promptly
• Actively collaborate with the performance staff and coaches on all stages of rehabilitation programs for injured players
• Comply with all Club and NWLS medical policies, protocol, and game operations manuals
  
  

Match Day

• Work all games, including before and after all activities to prepare and assess athletes for activity
• In conjunction with Performance Department, determine availability parameters for players and collaborate and communicate with technical staff on recommendations
• Oversee medical team’s preparation for the game (field prep, player prep, etc.)
• Provide pre-game treatment and preparation to players
• Provide post-game injury report to all appropriate parties in a timely manner
• Evaluate and develop plans of care for all injuries that occur on game day
  
  

Training Sessions

• Work all training sessions. Be available before and after all activities to prepare and assess athletes for activity
• In conjunction with Performance Department, determine availability parameters for players and collaborate and communicate with technical staff on recommendations
• Communicate changes in player status/availability in a timely manner
• Oversee medical team’s preparation for training (field prep, player prep, etc.)
• Evaluate and develop plans of care for all injuries that occur on during training sessions
• Assist coaching staff and operations staff when required
  
  

Administration

• Create and submit injury reports
• Electronically document accurate first report of injury, physician diagnosis, player assessments, player treatments, and return to play dates
• Provide a written daily injury report, rehabilitation progress, treatment schedule, etc. to the appropriate parties in a timely manner
• Complete the necessary league and organizational paperwork when required. This includes liability-protecting waivers for all players, trialists, tryouts, etc.
  
  

Leadership

• Delegate responsibilities to members of the medical staff in a way that maximizes their skills set
• Direct and manage other medical staff such as: Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapist, Soft Tissue/Massage Therapists, and additional contractors.
• Manage the athletic training room environment, creating a safe space for all persons.
• Maintain a complete and up to date roster of player health and participation records in League-provided electronic medical record system.
• Comply with all NWSL medical policies and protocols, including attending meetings as appropriate.
• Comply with OSHA Standards with regards to bloodborne pathogens.
• In collaboration with the Performance and Medical staff, create and monitor off-season training programs.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Performance and Medical staff to provide Multi-Disciplinary support, and education, by implementing and monitoring optimal female health, wellbeing, recovery, physical profiling, strength and conditioning, training and match load monitoring, nutrition, psychology, and return to play strategies.
• Provide mentorship to medical to grow/develop individuals’ skills set
• Provide clear expectations for all members of the medical team
• Hold members of the medical team accountable for their individual roles and responsibilities
• Help resolve any conflicts or challenges involving members of the medical team
• Listen intently to players’ needs, concerns, etc. and be able to effectively communicate with players and then relay important concerns back to coaching staff and GM
• Maintain an open relationship with players for them to feel confident in openly sharing medical concerns
  
  

Miscellaneous

• Maintain cleanliness of training room and all equipment
• Assist and collaborate with the team physician
• Maintain a professional appearance – wear Portland Thorns or appropriate apparel at all events
  
  

Essential Skills

• Athletic Trainer Certification through the Board of Certification
• Oregon state licensure
• Current professional CPR certification
• Possess personal professional liability insurance
• Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree
• Master’s Degree in related health care field
• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a sports environment, preferably with soccer team sports
• Management of staff
• Medical soccer experience
• Previous experience working with female, pregnant, and post-partum athlete
• Familiarity of the EXOS methodology (XPS, mentorship, internship, etc.)
• Exposure to Strength and Conditioning (BS Exercise Science, CSCS, etc.)
• Exposure to Sports Science (CPSS)
  
  

Compensation

Competitive salary ($100-$120K plus bonus), commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.

The Portland Thorns 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.