Academy Performance Psychologist (12 Month FTC) in St Albans

About the Role

The Academy Performance Psychologist will coordinate and deliver performance psychology provision across all Academy age groups (U9-U21) on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role supports the Academy's strategic direction by optimising players' champion mentality and helping develop the psychological capacities required for high performance. The postholder will be embedded within an interdisciplinary team and will work collaboratively with multiple colleagues to optimise players' potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive psychology support to players, parents/guardians and staff, including individual and group-based psychology support for Academy and loan players, and design player profiles and individual development plans.
• Oversee psychological monitoring, including thorough psychological assessment for injured players and those nearing a return to playing.
• Support player wellbeing by developing an environment and culture that embraces challenge and care, overseeing mental health and wellbeing screenings, and contributing to the Wellbeing in Performance group.
• Collaborate with Coaches to design training practices that develop players' champion mentality.
• Partner with the Medical department to identify, support and refer, where appropriate, player and staff mental health concerns.
• Contribute to the design, execution and sharing of research and development.
• Act as an ambassador for the club, embodying Academy and wider club values and adhering to a strict code of confidentiality regarding club information and operations.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Experience providing psychology-related services in elite sport.
• Experience working with young players in a football academy setting.
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
• Postgraduate training completed through the British Psychological Society (BPS) or Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES).
• Up-to-date certificates in FA Safeguarding Children and Emergency First Aid.
• Track record of operating within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially with Coaches, and the ability to articulate complex information in a simple and relevant way.
• Ability to integrate and collaborate in a team environment and build professional relationships to influence and motivate change.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to the demands of elite football, with a proactive and versatile approach to achieving successful outcomes.
• Ability to role model humility, discipline and respect, acting in line with Academy standards and club values.
• Enhanced DBS check and other essential background checks prior to starting employment.
• Commitment to upholding high standards of conduct in a position of trust involving regular, direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, and to keeping updated with club and FA Safeguarding training and education.

Benefits & Perks

• An exciting reward and recognition scheme.
• Generous holiday allowance which increases with length of service.
• Great internal learning and development programmes.
• A flexible hybrid working model.
• Priority access to apply for match tickets.
• A competitive health and wellbeing benefits package.
• A leading Employee Assistance Programme.
• Great discounts with some partners.
• An opportunity to play a vital role in delivering the ED&I strategy by joining one of the Employee Networks.

The Application Process

The recruitment process includes provisions for disability-related adjustments and the Disability Confident Scheme.

1. Indicate any disability-related adjustments needed for the recruitment process in the application.
2. Indicate eligibility for the Disability Confident Scheme in the application form if applicable.
3. Submit an application early, as the position may close early if application volumes are high.

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