Position Purpose:

The Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) supports intercollegiate athletics and is responsible for the care and wellbeing of student-athletes through the provision of athletic training services including testing, evaluation, assignment of training regimens, and treatment of injuries, rehabilitation and medical referrals. The ATC is a health care professional who works directly with student-athletes to provide care, education, prevention, counseling, evaluation, treatment and rehab of athletic injuries and illnesses both on campus and at game venues.

The ATC must follow the athletic philosophy consistent with that of the Bates Athletic Department, NESCAC and NCAA. The Office of Athletic Performance celebrates and honors difference, engages students of all backgrounds, and strives to ensure accessible services for all student-athletes. 

Under Maine §3477. Person Mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation, the Certified Athletic Trainer is a mandated reporter of known or suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult if they believe the adult is incapacitated or dependent. 

Under Maine §4011-A.  Reporting of suspected abuse or neglect, the law also states that certain people, like an Athletic Trainer, must report to the Department of Health and Human Services, Child Protection if they know or have reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected. 

Job Duties:

Evaluation of Athletic Injuries

• Evaluates athletic injuries through a subjective history, objective findings through observation, palpation, special tests, manual muscle testing and range of motion tests. 
• Formulates assessments and executes plans of action that best aid/fit student–athletes’ health needs and determines student-athletes’ safe return to sport participation. 
• Collaborates with the team physician to utilize concussion assessment tool(s) in determining the safe return of a concussed student-athlete.

Treatment/Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries

• Uses discretion in designing and developing treatment or reconditioning/rehab plans of athletic injuries.
• Uses treatment modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy and therapeutic exercise. 
• Recognizes and manipulates conditions which require special taping, bracing, padding, either preventative or rehabilitative. 
• Refers student-athletes to external medical care based on student-athletes’ needs following the evaluation and assessment of the ATC. 
• Provides daily injury reports and reports status and progress of injured athletes to team physician and coaches.

Prevention of Athletic Injuries 

• Works collaboratively with the team physician and associated health care providers to review pre-participation sport physicals to screen for orthopedic problems or issues that could/may affect the student–athletes’ safe participation. 
• Provides injury prevention measures, may assist in the selection, fitting, and proper use of protective equipment. 
• Specializes in patient education to prevent injury and re-injury. Coordination with Other Medical Providers 
• Serves as a primary coordinator of care and communication for student-athletes between medical care providers and Bates Health Services 
• Cooperates and collaborates with sports medicine staff, Bates Health Services, nutrition staff, academic support services, student-athletes to ensure proper communication of student-athlete needs or concerns. 
• Coordinates and assists in scheduling appointments with physicians and/or other medical professionals/disciplines for student-athletes.

Compliance and Documentation 

• Complies with policies and rules of Bates Athletics, NESCAC and the NCAA related to medical care for student-athletes. 
• Maintains confidential documentation and record keeping of injury reports and progress notes on all active student-athletes. Ensures that each file is up-to-date to facilitate insurance billing and payments and for any future medical or legal claims. 
• Adheres to HIPPA standards in protecting student-athletes’ medical privacy.

Other 

• Attends various sport practices and competitions (home and away). 
• Provides water for hydration during practices and games. 
• Assists in arranging transportation as needed for injured athletes. 
• Assists with clean up and maintenance of athletic training room(s) and related facilities to help prevent disease transmission and to ensure that equipment works properly when needed. 
• Assists in identifying and purchasing equipment and supplies for the Office of Athletic Performance. 
• Understands and models Department of Athletics philosophy and goals as set forth by the Director of Athletics and the Assistant Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or other health related field (biology, nutrition, physical education). 
• Master’s degree in Athletic Training or other health related field preferred. 
• Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Certification. 
• Maine Licensure or must be able to apply for Maine Licensure within 90 days of employment. 
• CPR and AED Certification per BOC guidelines. 
• Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Training. 
• Participation in BOC continuing education programs to maintain certification(s).

Experience

• Athletic training experience at the collegiate level. 
• 2+ years athletic trainer experience at the collegiate level preferred
• Familiarity with the academic environment and higher education, preferably the liberal arts.

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse and inclusive community.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal and presentation) skills. 
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills; ability to synthesize complex or diverse information. 
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision. 
• Impeccable organizational (time, task, project management) skills and ability to coordinate resources and staff within the college community. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships. Must be flexible, collaborative and have a positive attitude. 
• Proficiency in basic data management systems and basic computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed. 
• Ability and willingness to travel (by car, air, train or bus) domestically and internationally as needed. 
• Ability and willingness to work early mornings, weekends, evenings and other non-traditional schedules. 
• Personal commitment to excellence and the mission of a top-tier small liberal arts college. 

Benefits: Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.