ECU Health Chowan Hospital and Tyrrell County Schools are looking for a full-time secondary school Athletic Trainer for Columbia High School. The Athletic Trainer will be hired as an employee for Tyrrell County Schools and will receive state employee benefits. Tyrrell Co Schools and ECU Health will function together as a partnership where the Athletic Trainer will collaborate with Athletic Trainers within the partnership as well as work closely with ECU Health Physicians.

JOB SUMMARY: The Athletic Trainer is responsible for the day to day medical coverage in the high school outreach setting. Uses preventative measures appropriately; provide standard immediate care procedures used in emergency situations; clinical evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning. Employ appropriate assessment outcomes measures to determine effectiveness of the outreach program; determines appropriate return to play of athletes and active population. Management of head injuries and concussions; referral to appropriate medical professionals to ensure optimal level of care; all duties and responsibilities performed under the supervision of a directing physician. Also works collaboratively with the Sports Medicine Team to ensure service excellence for all customers of the athletic training outreach program.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's or Master’s degree in athletic training from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) program. Experience as a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer is preferred and must be able to work independently.

REPORTS TO: Principal at assigned high school

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: Certified Athletic Trainer by Board of Certification. Currently licensed or eligible for a State of North Carolina License in Athletic Training. Ability to complete American Heart Association Healthcare Provider (BLS), which includes CPR and AED training within 30 days of hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide athletic training services to high schools and works within the sports medicine team concept
• Provides acute medical care to athletes "on the field" during practices or sporting events.
• Provides on-site recognition, evaluation, and immediate care procedures of illness and injury including emergency situations, independent of setting.
• Perform clinical injury evaluation and assessment of patient’s level of function and follows standardized clinical practice in the area of diagnostic reasoning and medical decision making.
• Determine appropriate therapeutic treatment and provides rehabilitation, and/or reconditioning strategies, and taping / wrapping and bracing for preventative and protective treatment.
• Implement treatment program objectives including long and short term goals and an appraisal of those which the patient can realistically be expected to achieve from the program. Assessment measures to determine the effectiveness of the program are incorporated into the program.
• Collaborate with their directing physician, recommend discontinuation of the athletic training service when the patient has received optimal benefit of the rehabilitation and treatment program, and notes final assessment of patient status.
• Determine return to play standards of injuries for athletes and the active population.
• Maintain daily records of treatment logs, injury reports, doctor’s referrals, and medical inventory management used for the care of athletes according to clinic standards.
• Complete set-up of all practice and games including medical supplies, fracture management equipment, hydration, cryotherapy, and any other supplies needed for adequate coverage.
• Assist with planning, organizing, implementing and compliance of departmental and policies.
• Ensures an Emergency Action Plan for each venue be put in place and discussed with the school’s Athletic Director, coaches, and athletes; including local EMS. Exhibit ability to perform essential duties efficiently and accurately with or without reasonable accommodations and without endangering incumbent or other employees.
• Assists with the preparation of lectures, sports medicine programs, seminars and serves as a presenter in these programs when needed.
• Mentor and manage on site education of students enrolled in University-based athletic training education programs or any other healthcare professionals at outreach events (if applicable).
• Ensure all athletic training room sites have appropriate supplies and equipment; recommends new equipment for acquisition and use by the organization.
• Develop physician referral network including family practice, orthopedic, physical therapy, and other specialties as needed.
• Facilitates patient entry into the healthcare system and properly track and document these referrals.
• Maintain necessary training on concussion education, management, and care; including acute management of the cervical spine.
• Adheres to departmental dress code when providing on-site Athletic Training services.
• Perform other related clinical duties as required incumbent to State Board of Medicine/ Board of Athletic Training Statue and Rules.
• Other duties as assigned. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent leadership qualities and decision making skills, as well problem solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently & confidently with little daily supervision.
• Interact with staff/visitors with a variety of developmental and sociocultural backgrounds.
• Promotes an open atmosphere of communication. Communicates in a professional and timely manner with coaches, physicians, administration staff, families and all members of the healthcare team.
• Informs supervisor, coach, and the healthcare team of issues and resolutions to potential problems as appropriate. Communicates pertinent information horizontally and laterally.
• Maintain confidentiality (FERPA/HIPAA) in matters relating to employees, community partners, patient, family, and visitors.
• Ability to understand and communicate medical terminology with patients, parents, coaches, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
• Works within the Sports Medicine Team concept and accepts assignments based on department need and organizational needs and provides medical coverage as needed.
• Initiate problem solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with peers.
• Participate in and maintain competencies required for the position and specific unit/area(s) of assignment.
• Ability to work well with all ages, races, class and gender of people.
• Identifies social work resources within the Medical Center for athletes who are uninsured or underinsured.
• Excellent communication skills to include oral and written comprehension and expression. Relay information appropriately over telephone, computers, and other communication devices.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Set hours may vary depending upon departmental needs.
• Some night and/or weekend work required.
• Athletic trainer will provide services in the on-site high school athletic training room.
• Accept assignments based on department and organizational needs.
• Ability to manage a stressful work environment that includes frequent interruptions.
• Athletic fields may be noisy, hectic, & stressful at times including frequent interruptions. Situational awareness may be necessary.
• Possible exposure to infections, contagious diseases, and patient elements.
• Will occasionally encounter emergency and crisis situations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Provides athletic training services following the rules and regulations of the National Athletic Trainers Association Code of Ethics, BOC Standards of Professional Practice, North Carolina State Practice Act and Regulations for Licensed Athletic Trainers. Provides athletic training services within contractual guidelines and adhering to written Physician agreement.
• Must be on-site for all home high school athletic events/games to provide medical coverage; available for medical coverage of all high school athletic practices.
• Must be on-site for all football practices, home and away football games to provide medical coverage.
• Must be on-site for home wrestling matches to provide medical coverage.
• Travel to championship athletic events not required, but preferred when schedule allows.
• Home athletic tournament or special event coverage may be required.
• Oversee the completion of pre-participation examinations and that required documentation is in place.
• Maintains accurate medical documentation and injury reporting.
• Perform baseline concussion testing and additional testing if a concussion is sustained or suspected. Confirm appropriate follow-up of return to play guidelines.
• Teach CPR skills classes to coaches, parents, and community partners.
• Present a pre-competitive season educational session with each team covering sports medicine related topics, i.e., concussion recognition/management, hydration, emergency action plans and dangers related to competing in athletic events.
• Coordinate educational offerings for teachers and administrative staff regarding State concussion and return to learn policies.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Local travel is required.