Lead Academy Psychologist – LFC Men’s Academy (YDP and PDP Phase)

Lead Academy Psychologist – LFC Men’s Academy (YDP and PDP Phase)

We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join our Liverpool FC team as a Lead Academy Psychologist. In this role you will be providing psychological support through match and training observations, one-on-one player support plans, squad sessions, staff support and parent/carer education. This position plays a key role in player injury monitoring and psychological return to play for all players, including loan players.

You will work cooperatively with the First Team Psychology provision to ensure a support pathway is present for players transitioning into the first team environment and release to other clubs or career pathways.

What will you be doing?

• Lead Sports Psychologist with a specialist interest in the development and support of Academy players throughout the FP, YDP and PDP phases.
• Reporting to the Head of Medical Academy and Performance, lead and deliver a comprehensive sport psychology service aligned to the Academy psychology strategy and values.
• Lead the delivery of the psychology support programme at the Youth Development and Professional Development Phase.
• Lead the development and monitoring of multi-disciplinary agreed development plans (ADPs) for academy players U13-16s, U18s and U21s.
• Work alongside First Team psychology when supporting players from the Academy to the First Team.
• Work with coaches and MDT staff to enhance teaching, learning and feedback methods to promote the development of psychological skills through integration via the technical and tactical coaching program.
• Be a core member of the academy player care working group – supporting complex cases related to performance and/or wellbeing.
• Offer input, guidance and advice to other performance practitioners.
• Undertake other duties as directed by the Head of Medical and Performance, Academy Director or the Technical Board.

Who are we looking for?

The Liverpool FC Mens Academy is looking for an experienced and passionate HCPC Registered Psychologist with previous experience in a sport and exercise environment to join their Medical and Performance team. You will have experience in providing effective provision of psychological support in relation to performance as well as personal development and life skills to young athletes across the Youth Development and Professional Development phases.

We are seeking an experienced practitioner with substantial experience translating evidence-based research into day-to-day practice for an elite development programme for players, staff and parents/carers. Requirements include:

• HCPC registered psychologist with experience in elite youth sport environment or academy football.
• Ability to communicate concisely, assertively and effectively at all levels, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Safeguarding & Protecting Children/FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
• Desirable UKAD Introduction to Clean Sport qualification.
• Full valid driving license.
• Willingness to work flexible evening hours.

Why should you apply?

This is a full-time permanent position (40 hours per week) based at our LFC Academy and AXA Training Centre. Benefits include a competitive salary, 25 days’ holiday (plus 8 bank holidays; option to purchase up to 5 additional days), and a contributory pension scheme. Access to benefits kit bag with high street discounts and a selection of benefit schemes. Opportunities to volunteer through our LFC Foundation.

Liverpool FC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. The role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

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