Club Vision
Worldwide soccer builds community, shapes culture, develops talent and unites diverse peoples. Chattanooga Football Club is helping the same happen right here in Chattanooga, creating true opportunity for all players and great entertainment for all fans. Chattanooga FC does this through its premier MLS NextPro Men’s team, UPSL Women’s teams, MLS NEXT professional youth team, youth training programs of the Chattanooga FC Camps, the select teams of Chattanooga FC Academy, the CFL adult leagues, and through the Chattanooga FC Foundation and its charitable programs - CSM and Operation Get Active.
Position Summary
The Head Athletic Trainer (Head AT) will be expected to manage the day-to-day sports medicine, provide injury prevention strategies, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for Players’ medical problems. The performance of duties will be under the direction and supervision of the MLS NEXT Pro Chief Medical Officer and the designated Club Chief Medical Officer. The Head AT work closely with Sporting leadership including: the Head Coach, Sporting Director, Director of Performance, and Sporting Operations Manager. It is the responsibility of the Head AT to attend all training sessions, scrimmages, home and away games. The Head Athletic Trainer must be dedicated to all MLS NEXT Pro team, MLS NEXT, and Women’s Team activities.
This position plays a critical role in fulfilling the Chattanooga FC’s purpose to build community through the world’s game. You will be expected and empowered to facilitate the success of CFC football initiatives and events, advancing the sport and creating memorable experiences for players and fans alike.
Essential Functions
Working in collaboration with the Medical Staff and under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer and QMP:
- Supervise a medical team of Assistant Athletic Trainer/Therapist (MLS NEXTPro), Head Athletic Trainer (MLS NEXT), Athletic Trainer (WPSL), Medical Interns, and volunteers as applicable and/as outlined in MLS Safety and Wellbeing Policy
- Oversee the Club’s medical program, including MLS NEXTPro, MLS NEXT, and WPSL, ensuring protocols and standard of care are maintained across levels.
- Manage the healthcare of Players including, but not limited to: first aid/emergency care, on-site injury evaluation, application of appropriate modalities, development of rehabilitation and prevention programs, as well as conducting rehabilitation and making medical referrals
- Manage all incoming medical data streams (e.g., physiological, injury prevention) in the League provided EMR
- Maintain a complete and up to date roster of Player health and participation records in the Club electronic medical record (EMR) system
- Maintain equipment and modalities to standards required by manufacturer
- Electronically document accurate first report of injury, physician diagnosis, Player assessments, Player treatments, and return to play dates
- Initiate and manage workers compensation insurance/worker’s compensation claims for Players in partnership with Human Resources
- Comply with OSHA standards regarding blood borne pathogens, safety protocol, and Human Resources requirements
- Budget for all medical departmental costs
- Under the direction of the Club physicians, assist with the organization and maintenance of pharmaceutical inventory and records
- Organize physical examinations as required by League regulations and lead medical baseline testing as decided by the medical team
- Schedule doctor appointments, PT, and other medical appointments needed and collaborate with the Player Care Coordinator regarding logistics.
- Present medical updates in daily meetings with performance and MLS NEXTPro Staff and in weekly meetings with Head Coach, performance staff, and MLS Next Athletic Trainer
- Establish EAP plan and maintain monthly / yearly trainings
- Consult with Players regarding dietary needs, nutritional supplements, and League/FIFA banned substances
- Collaborate with Strength and Conditioning/Performance on data collected for athlete health and safety measures, entrance baseline data collection, and RTP process
- Help the Club Medical Staff advocate and work to ensure Player health and safety
- Compile reports as required by the League
- Comply with all League medical policies and protocols. Attend the yearly league meeting.
- Attend all activities/meetings/programs as required by the League
- Ensure the athletic training room and clinic area are safe, clean, and organized
- Assist with other duties needed to help drive the CFC Purpose, fulfill our Mission, foster our Vision
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree
- Preferred Master’s degree or higher in related healthcare field
- Minimum three (3) years certified athletic trainer experience
- Four – five years of experience in a high-performance soccer environment: professional academy, NCAA Division I college, or professional soccer (preferred)
- Proven experience with short and long-term rehabilitations
- Physical Therapy experience (preferred)
- Proficiency in Microsoft applications and knowledge of current technologies
- Ability to foster strong relationships and build trust with others
- Capability to represent the Club with professionalism, respect, and accountability
- Excellent collaboration, communication and interpersonal skills for team information sharing
- Ability to analyze situations, identify challenges, and develop innovative solutions
- Capacity to adapt to changing priorities and challenges
- Commitment to continuous learning and skill development
Licensing and Certifications
- NATABOC (or CATA) Certified Athletic Trainer/Therapist; in good standing with NATABOC
- Licensed by the Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers
- CPR / BLS certification for Healthcare Provider
- Possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license
- CSCS, PES, LMT, and/or NREMT, Certified Performance Sport Specialist (CPSS) (preferred)
- HIPAA compliant Course and Health Information Certification (preferred)
- GDPR compliance recommended for all Clubs (preferred)
Additional Requirements
- Maintain professional liability insurance
- Must have or be willing to complete SafeSport training within seven (7) days of start date
- Must have or be willing to complete concussion training
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
- Maintain legally required employment eligibility
- Bilingual (Spanish speaking) preferred but not required
Physical Requirements
Medium - lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 25 pounds frequently. Bending, stretching, and reaching requires. Some sitting and climbing, crouching, kneeling, and standing for extended time.
Physical Environment: This position is routinely exposed to external elements which include heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid and extreme weather conditions. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Supplemental Information
Department: Sporting
Work Schedule: Monday – Sunday, Hours will vary due to work assignment. Must be able to work flexible hours which will include extended days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overnights due to travel.
Employment Status: Full-time Salary
FLSA Classification: Exempt
This position requires pre-employment screening(s) that include: background check
Beautiful Game, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities; both prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
