Head of Medical Services

Bristol Rovers seek to employ an experienced physiotherapist in the role of 'Head of Medicine', to lead all areas of medical delivery within the Football Club. The role will be based at the new first team training complex - ' The Quarters', with an expectation to travel to all first team fixtures.

The individual should have the suitable skill set and motivation to assist the club in taking the next steps in the progression towards promotion to the Championship.

Key goals and objectives:
- Manage and lead the club's medical provision.
- Lead the first team medical team, and day-to-day care of all first team players.
- Provide medical cover for all first team training sessions and fixtures, ensuring availability of all necessary medical equipment to effectively manage emergencies, injury and illness.
- Provide clinical support for all 1st team and academy staff.
Assessment, diagnosis and immediate management of first team player injuries.
- Implementation of appropriate evidence-based treatment, rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies including manual therapy and exercise therapy to optimise preparation and recovery for all training and matches.
- Organise and lead the clinical planning of all first team players rehabilitation and return-to-training pathways.
- Lead the continuous delivery of individual and squad based injury prevention programmes based on physical screening and assessment, load monitoring and management, past injury and medical history, injury trends, fixture schedule, etc, working closely with the Performance & Sports Science Staff.
- Implement strategies to maximise player performance on the football field from a health and fitness perspective.
- Plan and lead the assessment of all new player signings and loans for the club in conjunction with the club doctor, providing a risk assessment to the board.
- Reporting of all injuries to the manager and coaching staff daily, providing updates on rehabilitation progress and return to play timeframes.
- Appropriate utilization of medical imaging in conjunction with club doctor, to plan management, rehabilitation and return to play prognosis.
- Arrange consultations with internal and external medical professionals when necessary following discussion with the club doctor.
- Attend external appointments with players regarding their ongoing medical management as and when required.
- Management of the medical budget and liaising with the Head of Football Operations & Chief Executive.
- Travel with the first-team squad as and when required including in pre-season.
- In liaison with the club secretary, be responsible for the FA Whereabouts Anti-Doping program and schedule.
- Complete all administrative tasks relevant to the position.
Governance and audit
- Ensure contemporaneous, comprehensive and confidential medical record keeping for all professional players on the club's electronic medical record system.
- Record and produce quarterly reports of player availability and injury audit, including comparison of estimated and actual time loss, to enable formal continuous reflective practice- based quality improvement.
- Ensure all club medical management protocols, including but not limited to: injury surveillance, cardiac screening, anti-doping, concussion management, emergency medical and injury action plans, infection control, and medical care plans for individuals with chronic diseases, are up to date and adhered to at all times, working with the club doctor, operations director, and health and safety officer as appropriate, to formulate, review and implement these as required.
CPD, teaching and research.
- Ensure HPC requirements for CPD and appraisal are met.
- Supervise and support interns and students on an ongoing basis.
- Lead in-house teaching and training opportunities for sport science and medicine staff in the professional and age group teams.
- Proactively educate players on health and lifestyle factors that serve to protect their health and maximise performance.
- Participate in appropriate research projects that the club has a track record in participating in.

Essential
- HCPC Registered (with immediate effect) for work within the UK as a physiotherapist.
- Minimum five years post-graduate experience.
- Minimum three years' experience in elite/ professional sport, preferably first team football
- Experience in development and delivery of research-based injury prevention and treatment strategies.
- Experience in planning and delivery of rehabilitation programmes to elite athletes.
- Experience working in and leading a therapy team in a professional sport environment.
- Valid FA ATMMiF qualification or equivalent.
- Possess a valid driving licence and motor vehicle.
- Excellent communication, leadership, team-working and organisation skills.

Desirable

- Track record of producing injury audits and injury prevention strategies at a squad and individual level.
- Experience of working with Young Adults.
- Current valid enhanced CRB check.
- Delivery of in-house teaching and training opportunities for sport science and medicine staff.