VP Area: Athletics
Department: Athletics
FLSA Status: Exempt
Benefit Eligibility: Yes
Salary range: 50,000-55,000 annually
Position Summary:
The Athletic Department is seeking two Athletic Trainers to join our team. This position provides comprehensive health care services to student-athletes, including injury prevention, clinical evaluation, emergency care, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.
The Athletic Trainer will collaborate with coaches and healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of student-athletes across all university-sponsored sports. This role reports to the Athletic Director and works closely with other members of the Athletics administrative team.
Minimum Qualifications:
Three plus years of experience in collegiate athletics training support and services.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in higher education is preferred, however, previous student employment and/or internship experience may be considered if target candidates are recent graduates. Areas of previous work or study may include communications, marketing, business, English, journalism, broadcasting, a liberal arts focus, or other fields.
- OCU experience (as an alumni, former student, or other relationship) preferred.
Job Duties:
- Demonstrate an attitude and behaviors that reflects the mission and values of the Athletics Department as well as the university.
- Provide daily athletic training services to student-athletes including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- Travel with assigned athletic teams for competitions, providing onsite medical care and injury management.
- Collaborate with physicians, coaches, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Coordinate and administer pre-participation physical exams and health screenings for student-athletes.
- Maintain detailed and confidential medical records, including injury reports, treatment documentation, and referrals, in compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, NCAA, NAIA (if applicable), and university policies.
- Educate student-athletes on injury prevention, wellness, hydration, nutrition, mental health resources, and self-care.
- Develop and implement emergency action plans and ensure readiness of supplies and equipment for practices and competitions.
- Assist with the daily operation, cleanliness, and inventory of the athletic training room and medical equipment.
- Support the supervision and mentorship of athletic training students or interns (if applicable).
- Serve as a liaison between student-athletes, coaches, academic staff, and medical providers to promote holistic care and academic success. - (Essential)
- Participate in university and department-wide initiatives supporting student well-being.
- Assist with departmental planning, policy development, and risk management protocols related to athletic health care.
- Contribute to ongoing program evaluation and the enhancement of sports medicine services.
- Participate in continuing education and professional development to maintain certifications and licensures. - (Marginal)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive knowledge of athletic training principles, practices, and procedures for the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and conditions.
- Understanding of human anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, and biomechanics as they relate to athletic performance and injury.
- Knowledge of emergency care, CPR/AED, and concussion management protocols, including NAIA and state-specific return-to-play laws and guidelines.
- Familiarity with federal and state healthcare laws, including HIPAA, FERPA, and Title IX as they relate to student-athlete health records and privacy.
- Working knowledge of pharmacology related to athletic care, including over-the-counter and prescription medications commonly used in sports medicine.
Skills:
- Proficiency in evaluating injuries and making timely clinical decisions under pressure during practices and competitions.
- Skill in designing and administering evidence-based rehabilitation programs tailored to individual recovery goals and sport demands.
- Strong documentation and electronic medical recordkeeping skills, including familiarity with systems such as SportsWare, ATS, or Healthy Roster.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively explain care plans to student-athletes, coaches, and healthcare providers.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic equipment maintenance and taping/bracing techniques for injury prevention and support.
Abilities:
- Ability to develop rapport with student-athletes and build trust in a clinical and educational environment.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including student-athletes of different backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels.
- Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all aspects of the role.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel with athletic teams.
- Ability to remain calm and take decisive action in emergency or high-stress situations.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary environment that includes coaches, athletic administrators, physicians, counselors, and academic staff.
Preferred
- Experience using injury surveillance systems and contributing to data-informed decision-making for team health management.
- Knowledge of sport-specific injury patterns, return-to-play considerations, and performance enhancement strategies.
- Ability to lead or contribute to department-wide initiatives focused on student-athlete mental health, wellness, and life skills development.
- Competency in developing policies and procedures for athletic training programs or facilities.
- Familiarity with accreditation standards for athletic training education programs (especially if supervising students).
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: - Work is performed in both indoor (training room, clinics, gyms) and outdoor environments (fields, tracks) in varying weather conditions.
- Exposure to bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and high-pressure situations.
- Irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with frequent travel for athletic competitions.