At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the mental performance and wellbeing of female athletes through tailored psychology strategies.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC Women's Football Team, dedicated to empowering female athletes.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours, contributing to player development and mental health.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' performance and wellbeing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: MSc in psychology or sport psychology with professional registration required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About the Women's Team: Our team is committed to fostering a supportive environment that empowers female athletes to showcase their skills and reach their full potential. We prioritise player development through tailored training programs that focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness. The SAFC Women's Football Team benefits from strong collaboration with our Coaching and Analysis teams, ensuring that our strategies and training sessions are informed by the latest insights and best practices.
The Opportunity: We are looking for an experienced, professionally registered Women's First Team Psychologist to play a central role in supporting the mental performance and psychological wellbeing of Sunderland AFC Women's First Team squad. You will provide one-to-one, group and team-based sports psychology support aligned with training and competition demands, contributing to player availability, psychological readiness for performance and long-term mental health and wellbeing. This is a part-time, fixed-term contract of 20 hours per week, with the working schedule to be negotiated.
What We Ask For: We are looking for a suitably qualified practitioner with an MSc in psychology or sport psychology and appropriate professional registration, such as UK HCPC registration or an equivalent recognised accreditation. You will also hold British Psychological Society Chartered status, CASES accreditation or an equivalent professional standing. You will bring experience from high-performance or professional environments, with a strong understanding of how psychological strategies can be embedded into coaching practice, team culture and individual player development. Experience supporting injured athletes through return-to-play transitions will be important in helping players manage the mental demands of recovery and performance. The successful candidate will be able to build trusted relationships with players, coaches and performance staff, while maintaining clear professional boundaries, confidentiality and ethical practice. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities and contributing constructively within an inter-disciplinary team environment. In addition, you will need appropriate professional liability insurance to work with and advise WSL players, together with FA Safeguarding, an Enhanced DBS, UKAD Introduction to Clean Sport, and a valid certified Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
Women’s First Team Psychologist in Sunderland employer: Sunderland AFC
Sunderland AFC is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, the company provides opportunities for training and advancement within the finance team. Located in the heart of Sunderland, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values teamwork and dedication, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the club's financial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Women’s First Team Psychologist in Sunderland
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Sunderland AFC who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Sunderland AFC can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Women’s First Team Psychologist in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Sunderland AFC and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Sunderland AFC see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland AFC
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Sunderland AFC.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Sunderland AFC about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Sunderland AFC supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
