Athletic Trainer (WCHS)

TITLE: Athletic Trainer

REPORTS TO: Campus Principal

FLSA: Exempt

GRADE: C

WORK CALENDAR: 211

FTE: 1.0

REVISED DATE: ON 12/12/2007

SUMMARY: The board certified athletic trainer, or ATC, is an allied healthcare professional educated and skilled in meeting the healthcare needs of individuals involved in physical activity. As part of a complete healthcare team, the certified athletic trainers work under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other healthcare professionals. The athletic trainer is a member of the coaching staff that is the medical link between the athlete, doctor, parent, and coach. Due to the nature of a competitive high school athletic program, athletics are exposed to conditions that can create injuries and other health related problems. In order to insure athletes are healthy to perform at competitive levels, a program to prevent and manage athletic injuries is a priority for any athletic program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Health Assessments to identify pre-existing or predisposing conditions through pre-participation through organizing a health screen for new and returning athletes in accordance with AIA rules
• Review athletes records and physicals for pre-existing problems that need special attention before or during the season. Check all physicals and emergency information for accuracy
• Supervision, monitoring, inspection and assessment of environmental conditions, equipment and protective devices
• Assess athletic apparatuses and athletic activity areas (gyms, playing surfaces)
• Application of functional taping, wrapping, bracing, and supports for proper protection to prevent injury or re-injury
• Education of athletes, parents, workers, coaches, and supervisors in injury prevention and safety
• Develop an injury management plan
• Meet with the team physician to review and plan medical coverage for the following year
• Must cover all home events coordinated by the athletic director and athletic trainer and away varsity football games
• Administer first aid using standard, approved techniques and activate the emergency plan, if appropriate to provide necessary medical changes
• Obtain a medical history
• Inspect, palpate, and perform specific evaluation and functional tests
• Select and apply emergency equipment following standard approved techniques to facilitate the athletic a physically active individual safe, proper, and efficient transportation
• Responsible for the referring of an injured athlete to physicians for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitative protocols
• Responsible for reporting injuries to the proper coaches and keeping records pertaining to the injuries and the treatment of the injured athlete
• Implement a rehabilitation program following protocols approved by the physician
• Construct rehabilitation or reconditioning programs for the injured or ill athlete or Physically active individual using standard procedures for therapeutic exercise and modalities to restore functional status
• Monitor the functional progress of the individual and adjust the program accordingly
• Evaluate the readiness of the individual to return to physical activity
• Educate parents, staff, coaches, athletes, and physically active individuals about the rehab process using direct communication
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Establish an emergency plan
• Establish guidelines for injury/illness management and referral
• Develop review system to ensure continuity and quality of medical care
• Reduce the risk of exposure to infections agents by following universal precautions to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases
• Insurance processing
• Complete inventory and order supplies for the following year
• Responsible for the training and supervision of student athletic trainers, including scheduling for games and practices
• Responsible for other duties as prescribed by the Athletic Director and Team Physician
• Maintain knowledge of contemporary sports medicine issues participating in continuing education activity to provide an appropriate standard of care
• Develop interpersonal communication skills by interacting with others (e.g. parents, coaches, college athletes, physically active individuals) to enhance proficiency and professionalism
• Adhere to ethical and legal parameters by following established guidelines that define the proper role of a certified athletic trainer to protect athletes, physically active individuals, and the public
• Assimilate appropriate sports medicine research by using available resources to enhance professional growth
• Educate the public by serving as a resource to enhance awareness of the roles and responsibilities of certified athletic trainer
• Attend parent meetings to explain the responsibilities of the athletic trainer and answer questions pertaining to treatment of injuries
• Establish and maintain good rapport with students, employees, community members and vendors
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality
• Other job related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Certification:

• Graduate of an approved program of Athletic Training and must have, or be eligible for state licensure
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC)
• Possess and maintain First Aid/CPR certification
• Possess and maintain National Athletic Trainer Certification

Abilities:

• Read, interpret and analyze general business documents, government regulations, and technical procedures
• Create and write reports, business correspondence and written communications with correct grammar and punctuation
• Speak to large and small groups and respond to questions from customers, employees and community members
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
• Interpret assortment of instructions furnished in variable forms
• Apply reason to research and solve moderately complex issues with little or no assistance

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee occasionally will stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hand and arms. Employee will frequently interact with the public and other staff members. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

The Dysart Unified School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Dysart Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.