The Athletic Trainer is responsible for monitoring the health of student-athletes and providing coverage for practices, games and competitions. The Athletic Trainer provides treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and referral to other medical professionals when needed. This position also assists in coordinating and documenting annual physical examinations for student-athletes and maintaining treatment records for student-athletes.  The Athletic Trainer assists the Director of Athletics and coaches in selection of protective equipment for each sport and maintains inventory of supplies and equipment.  This position involves frequent contact with coaches, student-athletes, the MCH Clinic, medical personnel and direct care staff.  This position also requires a thorough understanding of and demonstrated competency in the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) techniques developed by the Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University. 

The Athletic Trainer must exhibit the intellectual and emotional maturity required to work with youth who have behavioral issues and difficulty relating to others due to developmental delays, mental health needs and trauma. This position requires respect and compassionate understanding for the youth in care and the ability to balance the need for nurture and structure in the work with youth. The Athletic Trainer must have the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with youth and co-workers, effectively communicate with others, solve problems and regulate their own behavior in all situations. The Athletic Trainer must maintain a healthy value system, including moral and ethical behavior consistent with the agency’s mission and core values. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as primary athletic trainer for all sports as assigned by the Director of Athletics
• Provide care, prevention, evaluation, emergency treatment, physical reconditioning and rehabilitation of injuries to student athletes
• Plan and implement a comprehensive athletic injury and Illness prevention program for student athletes
• Ensure established protocols of care for injured student athletes are followed
• Demonstrate knowledge and proper use in the application of therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation equipment in the appropriate treatment and/or rehabilitation of athletic injuries
• Assist the Director of Athletics with the inspection of athletic equipment and facilities to ensure a safe environment for student athletes during practices and competition 
• Attend pre- and post-practice meetings, practices, and athletic contests as assigned by the Director of Athletics
• Provide pre- and post-practice and event treatments and preventative measures which include taping, stretching and meal planning for proper nutrition and hydration 
• Assist the Director of Athletics in developing training schedules for student athletes
• Establish and maintain effective communication with students, coaches, medical personnel, and other staff
• Arrange for injury and illness treatment by MCH clinic staff and other physicians as necessary
• Maintain complete, accurate and detailed medical records for all student athletes
• Coordinate and ensure all student athletes are up to date on all physical examinations and screenings
• Assist with the overall management of sports medicine program and manage the athletic training room operations
• Provide supervision and support to athletic training internship placements
• Maintain compliance with agency policies/procedures and licensing and accreditation standards
• Ensure equipment and facilities are clean, properly maintained and used safely
• Work collaboratively in a proactive and positive manner with other departments
• Ensure all facilities and equipment are clean, organized and maintained
  
   

WORKING CONDITIONSThis is a professional position that may require more hours than the normal 40-hour work week. Presence during the normal business hours of the agency is required to provide supervision of staff and to complete administrative functions.  Responsibilities include work after normal office hours, during the weekend or on holidays.  Out of town travel and occasional overnight travel are required.  An automobile for in town travel is required. Mileage reimbursement is provided for use of personal automobile for approved business purposes. A technology stipend is provided to support the communication requirements of this position. 

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

A Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training or related field and valid license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) are required. Certification by the Board of Certification (NATABOC) preferred. 

TRAINING

Training hours must be completed annually to comply with licensing and accreditation standards, as well as MCH policy.  The employee’s supervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements or enhance professional growth.  Completion of training requirements is mandatory for continued employment.

OTHER
The Athletic Trainer must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Texas Driver’s License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards set forth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children’s Home, no criminal history and acceptable references. 

CLOSING STATEMENT

I have reviewed the job description for the position of Athletic Trainer and understand I must be able to perform the duties outlined above. The Physical Demands/Requirements of the position are provided in another document and discussed at hire. I understand that due to the complexities of the position all duties and responsibilities may not be outlined in this job description and the duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change.