What are the responsibilities and job description for the District Athletic Trainer position at Athletics?
The District Athletic Trainer provides comprehensive athletic health services for student-athletes across district middle and high school programs. This position plays a key role in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and safe return-to-play of athletic injuries. In collaboration with coaches, school nurses, administrators, and medical professionals, the Athletic Trainer ensures the health, well-being, and readiness of student-athletes in compliance with state licensure requirements, professional standards, and district policies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Injury Prevention and Wellness:
- Develop and implement injury prevention strategies, conditioning programs, and safe training practices for all levels and sports.
- Monitor facility, environmental, and equipment conditions to support safe participation.
- Educate student-athletes, coaches, and parents regarding injury prevention, hydration, safe conditioning, and wellness.
Evaluation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation:
- Provide on-site athletic training coverage at practices, games, tournaments, and events as scheduled.
- Evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate injuries using evidence-based practices and physician-directed protocols.
- Provide emergency response and first aid; determine and coordinate physician referrals.
- Coordinate and document return-to-play decisions in collaboration with physicians, coaches, students, and parents.
- Assist with pre-participation exams and maintain accurate electronic medical records (EMR) related to injury care and progress.
Program Management, Documentation, and Compliance:
- Maintain accurate, confidential medical and injury documentation through an electronic medical record system.
- Manage daily operation of the athletic training room, including organization, cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and inventory control.
- Develop, review, and practice Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for all athletic facilities; document drills annually.
- Create and maintain policies and procedures manuals in alignment with district and professional standards.
- Ensure adherence to BOC, state licensure, NATA professional standards, and MHSAA regulations.
- Participate in national initiatives such as ATLAS and PASS to support program development, evaluation, and advocacy.
- Initiate involvement with district risk management and safety committees to promote school-wide safety measures.
Training, Communication, and Collaboration:
- Establish and maintain effective communication with student-athletes, families, coaches, school nurses, medical providers, and administrators.
- Provide professional development for coaches and staff, including CPR/AED, first aid, concussion awareness, and emergency response training.
- Recruit, supervise, train, and mentor student trainer aides/assistants.
- Participate in school-wide training opportunities and professional development as required.
- Ensure personal accessibility for “on-call” support and flexible scheduling based on athletic activities.
Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Board of Certification (BOC) Certified Athletic Trainer.
- Licensed or eligible for licensure as an Athletic Trainer in the State of Michigan.
- Valid National Provider Identifier (NPI) Number (as required).
- Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
- Minimum two (2) years relevant experience; school setting experience preferred.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping abilities; proficiency with EMR systems and Google/Microsoft platforms.
- Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
Physical and Work Requirements:
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, squatting, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Pursuant to Public Act 68 of 1993 and Public Act 83 of 1995, selected new employees shall submit to fingerprints and a criminal background check at the employee's expense.
It is the policy of the Board of Education that the District will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis . The District shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination including, but not limited to, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d. et seq.; and 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et seq.; The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1210, et seq.; The Handicappers' Civil Rights Act, MCL §§ 37.1101, et seq.; and The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL §§ 37.2101, et seq.; Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), 29U.S.C. §§ 621, et seq. Inquiries or complaints by applicants or employees related to discrimination should be directed to:
Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations
Saginaw Township Community Schools
3465 N. Center Road, P.O. Box 6278
Saginaw, MI 48608
TELEPHONE: 989-797-1800
FAX: 989-797-1801
www.stcs.org