ATHLETIC TRAINER

Supervisor: Principal(s) and Director of Athletics

General Job Description

The Athletic Trainer is a 12-month position responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive athletic training program for all school athletic programs. Responsibilities include injury prevention, emergency care, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, recordkeeping, and collaboration with students, families, coaches, physicians, and school personnel to support student-athlete health, safety, and success. The position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and additional hours as necessary to provide appropriate coverage for athletic practices, competitions, and related activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Responsibilities

Report to work on time and maintain an eight-hour workday, including a 30-minute lunch break.
Maintain a flexible work schedule to ensure appropriate athletic training coverage for practices, competitions, tournaments, and other school-sponsored athletic events.
Remain on duty beyond the regular workday when athletic events, practices, or emergency situations require continued medical coverage and support.
Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive student and medical information.
Work independently with minimal supervision while effectively prioritizing tasks and maintaining detailed records.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal(s) and/or Director of Athletics.

Athletic Healthcare Services

Provide injury prevention, emergency care, first aid, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation services for student-athletes.
Evaluate acute and chronic injuries and refer athletes to the team physician or appropriate medical specialists when necessary.
Assist in determining return-to-play status following injury in collaboration with physicians and coaching staff.
Develop, supervise, evaluate, and modify rehabilitation programs to restore athletes to pre-injury levels of function.
Provide treatments as needed or prescribed, including protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation, support, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/cold therapy, and hydrotherapy.
Ensure availability and maintenance of emergency equipment and communication procedures for emergency situations.

Injury Prevention and Education

Assist with injury prevention through athlete education, risk assessment, corrective interventions, taping, bracing, and protective equipment recommendations.
Serve as a consultant to coaching staff regarding conditioning programs, nutrition, injury prevention, and protective equipment.
Provide education, training, and supervision for student trainers.

Communication and Student Support

Communicate injury status, treatment plans, and return-to-play information to coaches, parents/guardians, physicians, and administrators.
Build positive relationships with students and families.
Support student attendance and academic success by communicating concerns when injuries impact learning.
Reinforce school expectations related to behavior, sportsmanship, and athletic eligibility.
Participate in student intervention meetings when health concerns affect academic performance.
Serve as the liaison among the team physician, student-athlete, parents/guardians, and coaching staff.

Recordkeeping and Compliance

Maintain accurate and complete medical records, including:
- Injury reports
- Treatment records
- Rehabilitation progress notes
- Home care instructions
- Referrals
- Insurance information
Ensure compliance with district policies, NMAA regulations, and applicable medical protocols.

Program Coverage and Facility Management

Cover high school team practices and provide access to the athletic training room.
Cover athletic events as scheduled by the Athletic Director.
Provide training room access and medical support to junior high athletic programs as coordinated with coaches and administration.
Secure and maintain athletic training room equipment and supplies.

Qualifications

Current NATA Board of Certification (BOC) certification.
Current New Mexico Athletic Training License.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
Ability to travel between district sites as required.
Ability to successfully pass a background check.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the following physical activities, with or without reasonable accommodation:

Sit, stand, walk, and climb stairs.
Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
Reach, squat, kneel, bend, and move equipment or light furniture.
Demonstrate full mobility and dexterity of hands and fingers.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provided they do not create an undue hardship for the District.

Safety and Health Requirements

Knowledge of universal precautions and bloodborne pathogen protocols.
Knowledge of and training in first aid and emergency response procedures related to athletic injuries.
Proper use of surgical gloves and other personal protective equipment when treating injuries.

Equipment and Materials Used

Athletic training equipment and supplies.
Medical treatment and rehabilitation equipment.
Emergency response equipment.
Personal protective equipment, including surgical gloves.

Work Environment

Evening, weekend, holiday, and after-hours work is frequently required due to athletic schedules.
The Athletic Trainer may be required to remain on-site beyond scheduled work hours when athletic events, practices, or related activities extend into the evening or require continued medical coverage.
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures.
Work surfaces may include grass, concrete, gymnasium floors, tracks, and athletic fields.
Frequent interruptions are expected.
Flexibility, patience, and adaptability are essential.
Occasional site visits may be required.
The position may involve working under stressful conditions, particularly during emergency situations.

Terms of Employment

This is a 12-month position. Salary, contract length, and work year shall be established by the Board of Education. The employee is expected to maintain a flexible schedule and may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and additional hours beyond the regular workday to provide coverage for athletic practices, competitions, tournaments, and other school-sponsored events.