Support and oversee the delivery of specific physiotherapy services across the ACT Brumbies Academy and Pathways (Men's) including establishing injury management principles and strategies, efficient reporting lines and rehabilitation and player monitoring systems.
Lead the Nextgen program through the management of fit and injured players on a daily basis. They will develop exceptional monitoring and screening processes, be diligent with the day-to-day management of players and use an innovative and robust approach to the rehabilitation of short, mid or long term injured players.
Be responsible for the alignment of standard of servicing between teams operating within the Academy and Pathways teams and system
Ensure the compliance of all pre-season/competition baseline screening and daily monitoring across all Academy and Pathways teams and programs
Nurture the early development of our Academy and Pathways players on their journey to becoming future ACT Brumbies Super Rugby Pacific players
Key Accountabilities
Academy & Pathways Physiotherapy Program Coordination
Lead the planning and implementation of injury prevention programs, including screening and monitoring strategies for the Men’s Senior Academy
Ensure adequate medical records are maintained via athlete management systems including Smartabase
Ensure all players are provided with and adhere to comprehensive physical screening processes upon their entry to programs; understanding Rugby Australia mandated requirements for players is also a critical regulatory component for this role
Liaise with other members of the ACT Brumbies Academy and Pathways management team to ensure there is a coordinated, planned and integrated approach to the management of fit and injured players
Regularly reflect on and refine the program in consultation with the athletic performance coaches, the team coaches and other team management
Assist the relevant team physiotherapist and team doctor (when it is required) to provide acute care to the playing group, ensuring player welfare is paramount and a performance mindset is maintained at all times
Lead the communication to clubs and schools relating to the training and playing availability of all ACT Brumbies Academy and Pathways players
U19 & Nextgen Head Physiotherapist
Ensure clear, accurate and timely communication with all key relationships regarding any apparent or potential injuries or medical needs
Implement strategies that maximise training availability, minimise the risk of injury and ensure a timely and robust approach is taken to returning all injured players
Lead daily player monitoring, treatment, strapping and soft tissue provision throughout the pre-season and in-season periods
Work collaboratively with the team doctor to ensure appropriate reviews are completed in a timely manner, including ensuring reporting and communication standards are in place and adhered to
Lead the medical and physiotherapy support team including interns, sports trainers and supporting physiotherapists
Liaise with the team doctor regarding timely and appropriate specialist referrals
In collaboration with the Academy & Pathways Head of Strength & Conditioning, provide evidence-based advice on individual player load monitoring and individual programming needs
Collaborative Leadership
Develop collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of improvement
Recognise the value of a collaborative approach to issues facing all teams under the ACT Brumbies banner
Be a leader with regard to developing an innovative and solution focused approach within the ACT Brumbies Academy and Pathways programs
Develop and foster high-performing physiotherapy systems within the ACT Brumbies Academy and Pathways program that are consistent with the club culture, ethos and values
Coordinate, supervise and mentor junior physiotherapists including the ACT Brumbies U18 and U16 Pathway teams and the ACT Brumbies Junior Academy programs
Professional Development
Remain at the leading edge in the field of physiotherapy
Understand trends and new innovations and their potential or otherwise to apply to the ACT Brumbies Academy and Pathways
Demonstrable specialist skills in injury diagnosis and rehabilitation with the ability to analyse complex medical problems and develop bespoke solutions
Understanding of and ability to maintain appropriate medical confidentiality
Excellent IT and organisational skills including record keeping
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to oversee effective and efficient information flow between high-performance staff and players
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team within a high-performance environment
Ability to work collaboratively with ACT Brumbies Head Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach to develop individualised Return to Play and Player Modification plans
Highly motivated and self-directed with regard to achieving performance targets within agreed timeframes
Ability to travel nationally and internationally and commit to irregular working hours including weekends
Experience
A minimum of two years post-graduate physiotherapy experience with elite sportspeople is required
Physiotherapy experience in a professional rugby team environment or contact sport is desirable
Experience developing and delivering programs with a record of delivering educational programs to professional medical staff
Qualification Requirements
Bachelor of Physiotherapy or an equivalent qualification
Current physiotherapy registration including up to date personal indemnity insurance
Up to date sports specific emergency pitchside training, including spinal injury and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Immediate Care in Rugby Level 2 or 3)
Ongoing CPD maintenance as outlined by the relevant regulatory body
Full drivers’ licence
All applicants for this role will be required to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment, including a current Working with Children Check (or equivalent) in the relevant state or territory jurisdiction
