Job Purpose
- To support the performance ambitions of the programme by leading and delivering best practice physiotherapy and professional care to players
- To lead a best practice approach to mitigating injury risk
- To ensure that optimal return to play strategies and delivery is in place to minimise time away from training and playing
- Line manage FT and PT therapists, students and interns and support with all aspects of medical provision within the Academy age groups
- To play a role in developing and sustaining a culture of high performance, safer working, and respectful behaviour
What We’re Looking For
- A team-first mindset and pride in contributing to collective success
- The ability to perform and make sound decisions in a high-pressure sporting environment
- Relentless attention to detail and commitment to elite standards
- Accountability, professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Delivery:
- Ensure players benefit from a high quality physiotherapy service which minimises injury incidence
- Develop and lead the teams return to play strategies in collaboration with the Club Doctor and SS team
- Ensure effective systems and processes are in place to aid the co-ordination of the multi-disciplinary team
- Ensure there is an evidence-based approach, that is appropriately data informed
- Identify trends in injury patterns, informing future practice
Relationships and Team working:
- Maintain strong relationships between coaching staff and physiotherapy, and between physiotherapy and other performance support functions (e.g., S&C), and wider teams (e.g., safeguarding)
- Ensure a holistic approach to the treatment and prevention and treatment of injury exists at the club
Physiotherapy provision
- Consult with players to gather information about health and injury
- Work with players in the assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of all injuries
- Discuss all potential referrals for radiology/specialist opinion with the Head of Medical
- Devise and deliver individualised rehabilitation/ treatment plans
- Provide pitch side first aid and support
- Use developed clinical reasoning skills to review and evaluate patient progress and current condition
- In conjunction with the team Doctor and Head of Performance lead on the assessment of new player signings
- Liaise with Head of Performance to agree and report player readiness for training and matches
- Deliver physical screening / movement screening throughout the season working with the performance department and team doctor
- Provide staff with formal performance reviews (appraisals) and hold regular informal 1-1s
- Encourage the medical team to network, attend conferences and develop their craft and understanding of best practice
- To ensure the squad are supported by medical staff by arranging appropriate medical cover at all times throughout the season and off-season
- To hold a weekly medical meeting with the PGA physiotherapist, focusing on reviewing SOAP notes, injury prognosis, treatment & rehabilitation. These meetings can be held in-person or online and should be documented and minuted.
- To offer a second opinion on complex cases and if needed, collaborate with the Men’s Head of Medical on best management plans.
- In delivering the above, ensure the latest clinical, scientific, and technical innovations for practice are incorporated into maintaining the highest level of care
Data and evaluation
- Collect and analyse data including injury and illness incidence & rate. Analyse and use insight to refine practice (e.g., injury prevention strategy)
- Ensure medical records are up to date accurate and confidential; and meet the requirements of the football authorities (e.g., The FA & Pro League) and other regulations (e.g., GDPR, UKAD), and comply with the Health and Care Profession Council standards of documentation
- Engage in the Professional League Injury and Illness surveillance project
- Monitor practices and ensure they meet the criteria & standards set by the Care Quality Commission
- Provide periodic (e.g., daily, weekly) injury reports to stakeholders (Head of Women’s Football, Head Coach / Manager, Head of Performance Support, Head of Medical)
- Attend weekly injury update meetings/discussions with the Head of Medical
Multi-disciplinary working
- Contribute to strategies for prevention and reduction of injury
- Manage the Women’s first team medical staff (Sports Therapist, Student, paramedics) to always ensure adequate provision and organisation
- Ensure all players attending external consultations are supported by a member of the medical team
- Work with complementary functions (e.g., S&C, safeguarding, performance wellbeing) to ensure a player-centric culture is in existence
- Provide physiotherapy input to case management meetings, to optimise player performance and minimise time lost due to injury
- Assist the Head of Medical in the recruitment process of any medical members of staff.
Budget management
- Monitor and discuss season by season budget with the Head of Medical
- To assist with medical equipment stock orders
Self-development
- Attend CPD events and undertake CPD activities in line with identified development themes
- Conduct and oversee research projects to underpin practice and service development
- To attend, participate and contribute towards the regular in-service programme within the medical department.
- To keep up to date with relevant first aid qualifications (ATMMiF);
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land WOMEN’S FIRST TEAM LEAD PHYSIOTHERAPIST Charlton Athletic Football Club Closing Date : 7 September 2026 Salary: £40,000 Location: London, United Kingdom
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Sportsmith often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sportsmith
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Sportsmith. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Sportsmith.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Sportsmith.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Sportsmith.
