Athletic Trainer - Westwood High School

Athletic Trainer

Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona. East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type: Full-time

Base Salary: $56,421.00

Class/Calendar: D62, 9.75 months exempt

Benefits: Vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay: Available annually

New Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary: The Athletic Trainer specializing in rehab and physical therapy will work with athletes and individuals to aid in their recovery from injuries and improve their overall physical health. The trainer will use their human anatomy and physiology knowledge to create customized rehabilitation programs for their students. The trainer will also work closely with medical professionals, such as doctors and physical therapists, to ensure their students receive comprehensive care. The trainer will also educate their students on injury prevention and guide exercise techniques. Overall, the athletic trainer will be crucial in helping student-athletes achieve their physical goals and improve their overall well-being.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires a valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops and manages an effective athletic training program for high school and middle school athletics
• Provides First Aid and injury assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning for MPS student-athletes, including physician referral as needed
• Provides coverage at home events and practices throughout the fall, winter, and spring as directed by the Athletic Director
• Coordinates annual required athletic physicals and supervises the clearance of injured athletes before and during sports seasons
• Organizes and conducts baseline testing when needed or instructed
• Communicates regularly with team physicians regarding athletic health care and recommends treatment and rehabilitation for all athletic injuries
• Communicates with coaches about expectations and status of their athletes throughout the injury process
• Assists coaching staff in evaluating and implementing sport-specific conditioning programs and methods
• Maintains an up-to-date policy and procedures manual along with an Emergency Action Plan
• Communicates with parents on the care and treatment of their student-athlete
• Maintains an effective and efficient athletic training room
• Files all necessary reports associated with athletic injuries and/or incidents
• Maintains a daily treatment log
• Oversees the ordering of supplies and equipment related to the athletic training room and maintains an up-to-date inventory
• Equips each team with appropriate medical equipment
• Assists in the selection and fitting of protective equipment, including special taping, pads, or braces
• Monitors and controls environmental risks to create a safe playing environment
• Shares professional literature related to athletic training with the school's coaching staff
• Collaborates with department and school leaders, supervisors, and staff to align processes and procedures while actively seeking their input and leading or participating in joint committees and working groups
• Focuses on continuous improvement by analyzing data, assessing systems and timelines, and recommending adjustments to enhance procedures and strategies, including providing root cause analysis and suggestions to the administration
• Identifies opportunities to optimize the use of various information systems and liaises with system representatives to stay informed on updates and explore potential improvements
• Works with administration and staff to identify ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness in assigned areas and related departmental functions
• Develops and executes both short- and long-term goals for assigned responsibilities
• Stays informed on federal and state laws and best practices relevant to the assigned area through ongoing research
• Manages special projects and performs additional tasks related to areas of responsibility as assigned by administration
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in athletics training, sports medicine, kinesiology or related field from an accredited university
• Current National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) certification
• CPR/AED certification
• 1-3 years of experience with injury prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation techniques
• Hands on experience or internship
• Valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with student athletes, coaches, parents, and medical professionals
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the athletic department
• Knowledge of common sports injuries and their treatment, proficient in taping, bracing, and splinting techniques
• Ability to respond and act swiftly to sports-related injuries
• Educate student athletes on injury prevention and proper techniques
• Making quick, sound decisions in high pressure situations, and adapting to different sports

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Spend time in office, designated treatment spaces, gymnasiums, locker rooms, weight rooms, and training rooms
• Exposure to various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) during outdoor sports seasons
• Required to be on-site during practices and games to provide immediate care.
• Flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Work closely with coaches, school administrators, team doctors, and physical therapists.
• Must be on their feet for long periods during practices and games
• May need to run onto the court to respond to injuries immediately
• Ability to lift and set up equipment such as tables, water coolers, athletes, etc. up to at least 50 pounds

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.