Certified Athletic Trainer

Southbridge Public Schools serve approximately 2,200 students in six schools. The district is undergoing extensive turnaround at all levels with assistance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, creating unique opportunities for teachers and students. The district has a long-term partnership with the University of Connecticut to develop Southbridge Schools as a national demonstration site for successful implementation of PBIS strategies. Additionally, the district has received significant grants for creatively redesigning the Secondary School, enhancing curriculum, improving culture and climate, and expanding afterschool opportunities for students.

About the Role

This position reports to the Athletic Director and is responsible for the overall sports medicine program, including injury prevention, evaluations, management, treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as educational programs and counseling for student-athletes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all interscholastic sports medicine activities within the framework of applicable MIAA, SWCL, and SPS policies.
• Manage scheduling and coordination of coverage for all team-related events, sports medicine budget, emergency care, patient education, and administrative duties as a Certified Athletic Trainer.
• Attend team practices, home/away competitions, and provide primary injury management for team members.
• Educate athletic staff on student-athlete health and well-being, including injury prevention, concussion protocols, and nutrition/hydration.
• Oversee compilation, organization, and maintenance of all medical records for student-athletes, ensuring security and adherence to NFHS/MIAA, HIPAA, and FERPA guidelines.
• Assist with the MIAA Chemical Drug Education Program and certify CPR/AED training for applicable SPS District staff.
• Coordinate and schedule medical referrals and mental health evaluations for student-athletes to determine return-to-play (RTP) status in collaboration with School Nurse(s).
• Annually update the Emergency Action Plan in the Athletics Department handbook.
• Oversee inventory and tracking of all sports medicine equipment and supplies.
• Work holidays, school vacation periods, and travel with football (reduces overall spending to coordinate Certified AT or EMS crew at away games based on new 2022-2023 MIAA rule).
• Be present at all JV and Varsity Basketball games (e.g., 8-hour days based on Athletics schedule: Football game on Friday at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, ATC schedule would be 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM to account for game coverage).
• Perform other duties as reasonably required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of related experience coaching at the high school level or above; or a master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of coaching-related experience at the high school level or above.
• Successful experience as a graduate assistant or intern in an athletic program may substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• BOCATC certification is required.
• Must currently possess or be eligible to obtain the MA Board of Athletic Training License.

Skills

• Knowledge of MIAA rules as they relate to student-athletes' health.
• Knowledge of training room practices and procedures.
• Ability to create a budgetary plan for the area.
• Ability to articulate and communicate vital information.
• Knowledge of the major functions of a Certified Athletic Trainer based on the scope of practice set by the NATA.
• Knowledge of the current NFHS/MIAA Banned Drugs for student-athletes.
• Knowledge of one or two multi-function rehabilitation equipment (e.g., Cybex, Biodex).