Job Description
Academy Physiotherapist – Medical Services Department

Structure
a) Title: Academy / Developing Squad Physiotherapist

b) Line Manager: Head of Physiotherapy / Medical Services John Miles

c) Salary Banding: £14k for up to 20hours weekly support

Job Purpose summary
Responsible for the treatment and rehabilitation of contracted Blues Academy squad players, in conjunction with the academy Strength and conditioner and academy manager.
To drive the screening and implementation / delivery of Prehabilitation programs for academy players in conjunction with Head Physiotherapist.

Academy squad Physiotherapist
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
a) To assist delivery of Physiotherapy needs of the academy Blues squad under the guidance of the Head Physiotherapist.
b) Working to a set hours as per the schedule to cover key training sessions across the week.
c) Medical delivery at home and away fixtures as required in preparation pre match and pitch- side trauma care for British and Irish Cup and Blues ‘A’ Fixtures.
d) Manage and coordinate treatment pathways and return to play criteria for Cardiff Blues academy players.
e) Proficient medical data entry as per CSP / HPC standard of notation.
f) Working closely with the Head Physiotherapist and conditioning staff to help develop and monitor training loads and correlate these with current injury rates.
g) Ensure the Treatment room is kept in an impeccable manner, with all appropriate equipment and bedding sanitized and hygienic.
h) Deliver 1:1 rehabilitation sessions to academy squad members
Injury prevention / Prehabilitation
a) Identify and develop a standardised functional movement and medical screening protocol to help build athletic profiles of all academy players.
b) Drive the delivery of prehab / injury prevention.

Key responsibilities:
The post holder will:
• Assist in managing and develop therapy service delivery for the academy players through the programming and delivery of leading edge therapy services appropriate to the training objectives of the players and coaches

• Ensure that the delivery of the therapy service effectively meets its commitments to Cardiff Blues rugby players within the academy

• Assist in driving the cultural change required to ensure therapy services at Cardiff Blues operate within a multidisciplinary team to deliver services to elite players and coaches that create a world class high performance training environment

• Within the rules of professional confidentiality liaise with players, academy managers, parents, coaches and other support staff as appropriate

• To contribute to the evolution, development and promotion of a ‘high performance culture’ in Cardiff Blues rugby.

MAIN TASKS AND ACTIVITIES
• Assist, develop and deliver therapy programs to players to enhance elite performance.
• Where appropriate identify and facilitate appropriate communication methods, including workshops, to inform and educate players, coaches and Performance Staff in the effective use of therapy.
• Maintain a comprehensive, indexed database of work conducted with players and coaches.
• Attend and contribute appropriate meetings associated with the club.
• Attend national meetings and workshops, training courses as appropriate.
• Any other duties as may be requested.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES
An awareness of the medical budget and medical / insurance costs is required in order to assist the Head Physiotherapist in managing the budget.

SUCCESS CRITERIA/MEASUREMENTS
Performance reviews as lead by Head Physiotherapist / Coach identified aims and objectives
Expectations and Duties within the Role
a) It is expected that this role plays a strong part in supporting the Head of Department in striving for better standards and discipline within the Cardiff Blues Physical Performance Department.
b) Assist in driving the cultural change required to ensure therapy services at Cardiff Blues operate within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver services to elite players that create a world class high performance training environment.
c) To contribute to the evolution, development and promotion of a high performance culture at Cardiff Blues rugby.
d) It is expected that no information generated or provided is to be exchanged or given to any other environment unless agreed by the Head of Physical Performance. Loyalty to the Cardiff Blues department is crucial in a competitive market.
e) Attend appropriate training courses or continual professional development (CPD) courses. Maintain a CPD reflective portfolio.
f) Attend appropriate meetings associated with the Department.
Person Specification
The person specification describes the knowledge, skills, aptitudes, experience and qualifications that the club deems as necessary for successful performance in the job role.

QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
• A qualification at degree level (or equivalent) in Physiotherapy
• Experience in a sporting environment
• Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) and registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC)
• Certificate of Hepatitis B immunity
• Fulfillment of the WRU trauma / RFL IMOFP Trauma management course or working towards Desirable
• A qualification at higher degree (or equivalent) in Physiotherapy/sport and exercise medicine/sports rehabilitation
• ACPSM Bronze or Silver level or working towards
• Appropriate child safeguarding qualification

EXPERIENCE
Essential
• Experience in a sporting environment
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate physiotherapy programs for individual
players.
• Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas and putting them into practice, including working in an applied and integrated manner.
Desirable
• Experience of managing and supervising staff and contribution towards their ongoing development.

KNOWLEDGE
Essential
• An understanding of the needs of professional players and coaches in a high performance environment
• An understanding of the various sports science and medicine disciplines
• Knowledge of physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques related to recent advances in
musculoskeletal medicine in the sporting environment.
• An understanding of and commitment to fair play and all national anti-doping policies as enforced by national governing bodies, international federations and other relevant organisations

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Essential
• Ability to implement innovative ideas and influence player and coach support programs
• Ability to modify programs according to the results of assessment data, in conjunction with coaches
and other support staff
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to prioritise own workload and that of colleagues
• Ability to balance conflicting demands and tight deadlines
• Excellent problem solving and decision making skills
• Ability to communicate fluently, in English
• Excellent presentation and communication skills that can motivate behavioural change to have a
positive impact on performance
Personal disposition
Essential
• A positive attitude to Information Technology in carrying out the responsibilities of the post
• Personal commitment to continuous personal professional development
• Ability to work effectively both alone or as part of a team
• Open minded with a view to adopting new practices
• Highly motivated with a passion for high performance sport
• Personal integrity and the ability to invoke trust and respect from others

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
• An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities in employment and sport
• An understanding of individual responsibility in complying with the Health and Safety policies and arrangements of the club
• Ability to work irregular and unsocial hours as required involving work outside normal office hours, at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays
• Ability to travel, including occasional overnight stays
• Ability to travel abroad with teams if required
• An understanding of and commitment to fair play and all national and international anti-doping policies as enforced by national governing bodies, international federations and other relevant organisations.

Confidentiality, Loyalty and Social Media Policy
a) Holders of this position must respect the confidentiality of sensitive information, personnel information and other information received in confidence. Within the rules of Cardiff Blues professional confidentiality liaise with players, coaches, parents and other support staff as appropriate.
b) Holders of this position should at all times be loyal to fellow Cardiff Blues staff members and management team. Never to be publicly critical of colleagues or staff, undermine decisions made by line managers, or endeavor to distance themselves from decisions made for the good of Cardiff Blues rugby.
c) Holders of this position must at all times conduct themselves appropriately in whatever capacity, either when acting as a representative of Cardiff Blues rugby or in any other capacity. They should be aware that at all times when speaking or writing, including all forms of social media, they may be perceived as representing the management of Cardiff Blues rugby and therefore seek to avoid embarrassment, distress, or expressing views which may be unrepresentative or draw bias.
d) It is expected that no information generated or provided is to be exchanged or given to any other environment unless agreed by the Head of Physical Performance. Loyalty to the Cardiff Blues department is crucial in a competitive market.

Position Details – Location and Hours
a) The position will be based at the Cardiff Blues Training Base, Hensol, however the nature of the position can require travel as and when dictated by the needs of the Cardiff Blues organisation.

b) The training schedule demands and promotes flexibility, but it is expected that this position will be active between 7am until 4pm on a daily basis. The nature of the position also requires that timings of work can fluctuate.
How to apply
Send CV and cover letter to Billy Millard, General Manager Rugby – billy.millard@cardiffblues.com