Athletic Trainer - WVU Potomac State College Athletics

The Athletics Department at WVU Potomac State College is currently accepting applications for an Athletic Trainer.

About the Opportunity

The Athletic Trainer will be responsible for the health and safety of our student-athletes within an effective NJCAA athletic training program at WVU Potomac State College. Athletic Trainers evaluate and advise individuals to assist recovery from or avoid athletic-related injuries or illnesses or maintain peak physical fitness. May provide first aid or emergency care.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

1. Injury Prevention and Assessment: 25%
   1. Develop and implement comprehensive injury prevention programs tailored to the needs of student-athletes.
   2. Conduct pre-participation screenings to assess the overall health and fitness of athletes.
   3. Perform regular evaluations of athletes to identify potential injury risks and address them proactively.
   4. Attend practices and home games and schedule coverage with Certified EMT's when Athletic Trainer cannot be present.
   5. Provide on call hours to coaches when physical presence at practices is not possible.
2. First Aid and Emergency Care: 5%
   1. Provide immediate and appropriate medical care for athletic injuries, including on-field emergencies.
   2. Administer first aid, CPR, and other emergency procedures as needed.
   3. Collaborate with coaching staff and medical professionals to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies.
   4. Provide an Emergency Action Plan for each site athletics utilizes for practices and games.
3. Rehabilitation and Treatment: 15%
   1. Design and implement individualized rehabilitation plans for injured athletes, utilizing evidence-based practices and therapeutic modalities.
   2. Monitor athletes' progress throughout the rehabilitation process and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
   3. Educate athletes on proper injury management techniques and strategies for injury prevention.
4. Concussion Testing and Management: 10%
   1. Administer baseline concussion tests for all student-athletes prior to their participation in sports activities.
   2. Conduct post-injury assessments using standardized concussion evaluation tools to diagnose and manage concussions.
   3. Develop and implement graduated return-to-play protocols for athletes recovering from concussions, ensuring their safe and timely return to sport.
   4. Provide education to athletes, coaches, and staff on concussion awareness, recognition, and management protocols.
5. Athlete Education and Counseling: 10%
   1. Provide education on topics such as nutrition, hydration, strength training, and injury prevention to enhance athletes' overall health and performance.
   2. Offer counseling and emotional support to athletes dealing with injuries, setbacks, or performance-related stressors.
   3. Collaborate with on campus mental health professionals to address athletes' psychological well-being.
6. Administrative Responsibilities: 20%
   1. Maintain accurate records of injury evaluations, treatment plans, and rehabilitation progress for each athlete.
   2. Ensure compliance with institutional, conference, and national athletic training standards and regulations.
   3. Assist in the procurement and maintenance of athletic training equipment and supplies.
   4. Provide transportation for student-athletes to medical appointments as needed.
   5. Manage athletic insurance claims with our insurance partner.
   6. Maintain a budget for athletic training and order supplies as needed.
   7. Maintain several athletic training rooms on campus and ensure they are prepared for treatments.
   8. Create, maintain and modify policy and procedure manual annually.
   9. Serve as game management when directed by the Athletic Director.
7. Collaboration and Communication: 10%
   1. Work collaboratively with coaches, team physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to optimize athlete care.
   2. Communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, and athletic department staff regarding injury status, treatment plans, and return-to-play protocols.
   3. Serve as a liaison between the athletic department and external healthcare providers to coordinate specialized care for athletes when needed.
8. Professional Development: 5%
   1. Stay current with advances in sports medicine, athletic training techniques, and relevant research through continuing education and professional development opportunities.
   2. Pursue certification and licensure renewal as required by state regulations and professional organizations.

• Master's degree in athletic training from an accredited program plus a minimum of one (1) year of related experience, OR a bachelor's degree in athletic training from an accredited program plus a minimum of three (3) years of related experience.
• Board certification credentials are required.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Prevention, recognition, evaluation, rehabilitation of athletic related injuries, athletic training room management, ability to supervise and manage student athletic trainers, strong communication skills.

• NATABOC (Board Certified)
• First Aid/CPR Certified
• Eligible for WV ATC licensure
• Valid driver's license

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.