Queensland Reds Academy – Physiotherapist (Part-Time)

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) is the governing body of Rugby Union in Queensland and is responsible for leading the growth, sustainability, and success of Rugby Union in the state via a robust strategic plan.

Reporting to the Queensland Reds Head of Talent Management the Tier 1 Academy Physiotherapist will take the lead in providing physiotherapy services to the Reds Academy squad; including, but not limited to the assessment, treatment, injury prevention and rehabilitation of injuries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with relevant staff to ensure a full picture of a player’s physical status is available prior to, and during the program.
• Coordinate and manage the rehabilitation of all players and all matters relating to safety.
• Prior to each training session conduct an assessment and treatment program for players each week. Clinics to be conducted in line with the training / playing schedule and duties are to include a schedule/booking system for players.
• Work closely with the Strength & Conditioning Coach to ensure training load protocols are followed and communicated to the Head Coach.
• Provide player health status reports to the Team Doctor and Strength & Conditioning Coach at designated meetings and provide advice on design, implementation and monitoring of injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
• Provide player health status reports to the Head Coach at designated meetings providing advice on player fitness to participate in training and playing.
• Arrange required medical expert consults and service provision for all players as required and perform full follow up.
• Perform musculoskeletal/functional screening as required to identify issues related to:
• muscle imbalance – length and control
• ‘at risk – areas of concern’ groups based on pre-existing injury history
• musculoskeletal findings.
• Strap players before all Reds Academy games and training.
• Ensure all data is maintained in ‘Smartabase’ as required by Rugby Australia (RA).
• Order and allocate tape appropriately for Academy programs.

Reds Development and U19 Matches

• Attend all matches coordinating the medical management of players and staff
• Assess local available medical facilities.
• Attend all team training sessions.
• Provide on-field medical support and assist with hydration for all matches.
• Assist with the setup of change room for matches.
• Assist with the set-up of training venue when requested and available.

Multidisciplinary Teamwork / Working Relationships

• Build and maintain relations with all Reds and RA Rugby staff (particularly in the areas of Medicine, Physiotherapy, and Athletic Performance) to ensure relationships of trust, respect, support, and continuous and open communication exist.
• Build and maintain a relationship of trust and respect with the Reds Medical Department ensuring continuous and open communication.
• Keep up to date on recent research in sports physiotherapy and rugby related physiotherapy issues.

REQUIREMENTS:

Essential

• Bachelor in Physiotherapy or equivalent.
• Current Physiotherapy Registration including up to date personal indemnity insurance.
• Demonstrable specialist skills in injury diagnosis and rehabilitation.
• Sports specific emergency pitch-side training (Immediate Care in Rugby Level 2 or 3)
• A minimum of two years post graduate experience with elite sports people.
• Be trained and up to date in acute pitch side care, including spinal injury and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in your capacity as a Physiotherapist.
• Excellent proven professional staff management and record of delivery of educational programmes to professional medical staff.
• Programme development and delivery experience.
• Good organisational skills including record keeping.
• Excellent IT and organisational skills.
• Understanding of and ability to maintain appropriate medical confidentiality.
• Ability to analyse complex medical problems and develop bespoke solutions.
• On-going maintenance of CPD as outlined by relevant regulatory body.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to oversee effective and efficient information flow between high performance staff and players.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team within a high-performance environment.
• Highly motivated with ability to work under own direction to achieve performance targets within agreed timeframe.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
• Ability to commit to irregular working hours including weekends.

Desirable

• Physiotherapy experience in a professional rugby team environment.
• Experience working in a contact sport.
• Full drivers’ licence.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter supporting your application to Madelaine.Allaway@rugby.com.au – Closing date Friday 21 July 2023 (COB)

Essential Requirements

• Sports Medicine / Physio / Allied Health Degree
• Elite Athlete Wellbeing Management Course