PORTLAND THORNS
Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record last year with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.
WHO ARE THE PORTLAND THORNS?
We are the Portland Thorns.
We will be the #1 women’s football franchise in the world.
We fight to protect the integrity of our team and to inspire our city.
We are stewards of innovation…on and off the pitch.
We have a storied history of winning with a championship pedigree.
We believe in inclusiveness and demonstrating an authentic commitment to the community.
We are diverse, multi-cultural and we take action with purpose and intent.
We will relentlessly be a thorn in our opponent’s side and forever be the crown jewels of Portland.
We are the Portland Thorns.
THE ROLE
The Associate Athletic Trainer will operate under the direction of the Director of Medical/Head Athletic trainer to execute the day-to-day sports medicine operations for the Portland Thorns per NWSL guidelines and team/leadership expectations. As determined by the Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer, the Associate Athletic Trainer will provide injury prevention strategies, and evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate Player’s medical issues. The Associate Athletic Trainer will participate in the collaboration and execution of comprehensive return to play programming (as determined by the Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer).
In the event that Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer is not on site; the Associate Athletic Trainer will assume appropriate daily duties of Head Athletic Trainer. Under direction of Director of Medical, the Associate Athletic Trainer may be required to work closely and communicate appropriately with Head Coach, General Manager, and Director of Soccer Operations.
WHAT YOU’LL BE UP TO
- Treat all players appropriately and promptly
- Collaborate with all medical staff to care for injured athletes
- Actively collaborate with the performance staff and coaches on later stage rehabilitation program and return to play programs for injured athletes
- Comply with all NWLS medical policies, protocols, and game operations manual
- Monitor any changes in mental, psychological, and physical health of the players through daily interactions and discuss with/refer to Team Medical staff as appropriate
Match Day
- Available for non-roster training/rehab treatment and training monitoring
- Be available before and after all activities to prepare and assess athletes for activity
- Provide pre-game treatment and preparation to players
- Lead pre-match “medical huddle” and review league safety policies and relevant EAP information
- Responsible for in-match on-field medical evaluation and communication to appropriate parties on sideline
- If Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer not on site
- Provide post-game injury report to all appropriate parties in a timely manner
Training Sessions
- Provision of pre-and post- training treatments/rehab
- Medical monitoring of session
- Providing/executing player rehab and/or early stage RTP (under supervision of Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer)
- Assist coaching staff and operations staff when required
- Work all training sessions. Be available before and after all activities to prepare and assess athletes for activity
- If Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer not on site
- Communicate in daily meetings with HP and Technical staff to finalize all details of training session and post training meeting to plan for next session
- Communicate changes in player status/availability in a timely manner
Organization and Administration
- Assist in daily training set up, including: Ice tube, hydration set up, training room set up, locker room set up
- Electronically document accurate first report of injury, physician diagnosis, player assessments, player treatments, and return to play dates
- Complete the necessary league and organizational paperwork when required. This includes liability-protecting waivers for all players, trialists, tryouts, etc.
- Initiate Workers’ Compensation claims for players
- Under the direction of the Team CMO/Team Physicians and Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer, assist with the organization and maintenance of pharmaceutical inventory and records
- Management of contractor scheduling and communication
- Communication with visiting team medical staff as needed
- Assisting the scheduling of relevant player medical appointments
- Equipment inventory monitoring, restocking, and packing for team trips
- Supply inventory and ordering (as approved by Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer) and record keeping of receipts
- If Director of Medical/Head Athletic Trainer not on site
- Create and submit injury reports
- Provide a written daily injury report, rehabilitation progress, treatment schedule, etc. to the appropriate parties in a timely manner
- Assist medical staff in end-of-year internal reporting, including injury data collection and organization and refining operational processes.
Leadership
- Work with other medical staff such to ensure all services are coordinated including Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapist, Dietician, Performance Specialists, Chiropractor and Soft Tissue/Massage Therapists
- Order, maintain, and inventory supplies and clinical equipment
- Maintain a complete and up to date roster of player health and participation records in League-provided electronic medical record system
- Comply with all NWSL medical policies and protocols, including attending meetings as appropriate
- Comply with OSHA Standards with regards to bloodborne pathogens
- In collaboration with the Performance and Medical staff; monitor off-season training programs
- Maintain an open relationship with players for them to feel confident in openly sharing medical concerns
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A THORN:
- Athletic Trainer Certification through the Board of Certification (BOC); In good standing with BOC
- Oregon state licensure for Athletic Training
- CPR certification in Basic Life Support
- Possess personal professional liability insurance
- Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree
- Master’s Degree or higher in related health care field
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $70,000-$80,000
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
Ready to Be a Thorn in the Best Possible Way? Apply Now!
If you’re ready to shape the future of the Portland Thorns, send us your application. Let’s make history together! 🌹
Portland Thorns FC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Portland Thorns Football Club – Organizational Values: P-R-I-D-E
PROFESSIONALISM - Professionalism means having the courage to do the right thing even when no one is looking. We believe in fostering a professional environment where everyone connected to our organization can trust that they will receive respect and reliability from our leadership, staff, and players.
RESPECT - Respect is demonstrated through how we cognize, acknowledge and value each other. We put people first, we value the different qualities, opinions, and time of everyone. We are humble, inclusive, and act with kindness. We recognize the role we all play in creating and maintaining a safe, challenging, and inclusive environment geared towards team progression and success.
INTEGRITY - Honesty and fairness are the cornerstones of our club. We adhere to the highest ethical standards both on and off the field. By consistently demonstrating respect, trustworthiness, and responsibility, we build a culture of integrity that guides our actions and decisions.
DISCIPLINE - Discipline encompasses the collective commitment to high standards of behavior and effort. It involves players and staff consistently pursuing our vision, demonstrating self-awareness, maintaining a strong work ethic, and fostering team cohesion by knowing our roles and supporting each other in them.
EXCELLENCE - We strive for excellence in everything we do, from training and gameplay to our personal conduct. Our pursuit of excellence drives us to continually improve, innovate, and push our limits. We celebrate our successes and learn from our challenges, always aiming to be the best we can be individually and as a team.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
