Academy Sport Psychologist in Darlington

Middlesbrough Football Club is seeking an experienced and motivated Academy Sport Psychologist to play a vital role in the development and wellbeing of our Academy players. Working under the guidance of the Head of Education and Welfare, you will lead the preparation, delivery and evaluation of the Academy's psychological support programme, providing expert support to players and parents across all phases of the Academy. You will be responsible for assessing, monitoring and acting upon individual psychological profiles in line with EPPP requirements, contributing to Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), and promoting positive psychological wellbeing throughout the player pathway.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with staff, the club's psychotherapist and the Head of Education and Welfare to deliver an integrated psychology programme that supports both player performance and personal development. You will also play a key role in ensuring all players, parents and staff have access to high-quality support material.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a Category One Academy environment!

• Working closely with the other staff at the club and the Head of Education and Welfare in developing a psychology curriculum specific to club and individual requirements, to be delivered using a variety of strategies.
• To psychologically profile all players in the designated phases of development, providing group reports and individual feedback when required.
• To offer individual psychological support when required in line with safeguarding policy.
• To plan and deliver a comprehensive programme for parents and guardians of all Academy Players.
• To conduct relevant Wellbeing meetings in conjunction with Player Care Manager.
• To establish close links with external practitioners and governing bodies to ensure we maintain current best practice with respect to research development.
• To prepare an end of season summary report with future recommendations at each phase of development.
• To work closely with the Education Welfare Officer to discuss any psychological issues and to also inform of any personal issues/problems a player may have maintaining professional confidence.
• To complete all necessary administrative tasks to meet the requirements of the Academy's quality management systems and FAPL monitoring including inputting relevant information to the Intelligence Platform (IP).
• To work closely with our head of coaching to ensure all coach behaviours are assessed within training/games and develop appropriate strategies in line with CCFs.
• To ensure MFC academy maintains a current knowledge base through continual reviewing of research and where possible adding to the research through communication, presentation or publication.
• The Job Holder may also be required to perform other duties by or under the authority of the Head of Education and Welfare as may be from time to time reasonably assigned.

About The Candidate

• Holds BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology / Sport Science.
• Holds MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology.
• Has experience of working in an elite sporting environment, ideally within youth football.
• Has extensive knowledge of sport psychology in the elite youth environment.
• Has extensive knowledge of current developments in the field of youth development (EPPP).
• Has experience of both one to one and group delivery of psychological support.
• Possess or be working towards chartered status with the British Psychological Society, or BA-SES.
• Has completed British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist and be registered with the Healthcare Professionals Council (HCPC).
• Has excellent organisational skills and the ability to accurately manage data.
• Knowledge in the use of the Intelligence Platform (IP) would be advantageous.
• Is highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to tight deadlines.
• Is professional, approachable and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Has the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team whilst also demonstrating initiative and effectiveness when working independently.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
• Builds trust and credibility with players, parents, colleagues and stakeholders through a respectful and professional approach.
• Is self-motivated, proactive and able to take ownership of tasks and responsibilities.
• Demonstrates passion, enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the Academy's objectives and player development programme.
• Is flexible and resilient, with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving environment, including working evenings, weekends and other unsociable hours when required.
• Has an understanding of safeguarding when working with young people.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this opportunity. Evidence of Right to work will be required as part of our pre-employment checks.

Please note that this post falls within the scope of ‘regulated activity’ and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check and are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exemptions) Act 1975.

MFC is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. MFC is also committed to the safeguarding of vulnerable groups.