Academy Psychologist

Based at: Blackburn Rovers Academy, Brockhall Village, Old Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8BA. However, flexibility regarding location is required.

Reports to: Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine

Responsible for: Academy interns and students when required

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week plus any additional hours necessary for the performance of duties. This may include evening and weekend work.

Contractual status: Permanent

Job purpose: To lead the psychological support for all academy players, parents, and coaches across the academy.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all elite players, promoting their well-being needs whilst maintaining professional boundaries;
2. To oversee all psychological support to academy players, parents, and coaches;
3. To liaise and work in conjunction with all relevant internal and external partners;
4. To ensure all players are screened twice per year;
5. To monitor all players regarding psychological support and welfare;
6. To ensure all written evidence is up to date and in line with EPPP requirements;
7. To liaise with all staff on a daily basis;
8. To create external links as required;
9. To maintain an up-to-date Continuous Professional Development (CPD) portfolio;
10. To ensure best practice is followed at all times and players receive optimal advice and support;
11. To maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times;
12. To assist and lead departmental in-service training as and when required;
13. To assist in other departmental duties as required.

Skills required:

1. Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external parties (i.e., coaches, players, parents, external contacts etc.);
2. Ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team;
3. Display a high level of professionalism at all times;
4. Highly motivated, with a passion for working within an elite football setting; and
5. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
6. Knowledge of current sport science and medicine practice with particular specialism in sports psychology;
7. An understanding of pediatric physiological development;
8. Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures; and
9. An understanding of the demands of an elite sporting environment.

DBS check required: Yes (Enhanced)

About The Candidate

Qualifications required:

1. BSc (hons) in Sports Psychology or other related discipline (essential);
2. Postgraduate qualification (MSc or equivalent) in Sports Psychology or other related discipline (desirable);
3. Registered psychologist/practitioner via the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); and
4. Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist (CPsychol) status through the British Psychological Society (BPS), or ability to attain this within an agreed timeframe.

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