Massage Therapist

Role Purpose:
The National Teams Massage Therapist is an expert manual therapist who will contribute to the achievement of the aims and objectives of the National Teams Medical Services Unit through the delivery of different prophylactic and therapeutic modalities aiming at restoration or improving players performance.

**Key Accountabilities & Activities**:

- Acts independently to assess, analyze, and provide massage therapy to any National Teams football player seeking to recover from training or competition or to enhance their football performance.
- In collaboration with the National Team Medicine Doctor and Physiotherapist plan, implement and deliver the most appropriate recovery sessions.
- Monitor the reaction of players to specific massage techniques, recognize changes in the condition of a player and inform immediately the National Team Sports Medicine Doctor or Head Physiotherapist if any adverse reaction.
- Follow the instructions of the physiotherapist to treat injured players following a designated treatment plan utilizing massage therapy technique.
- Provide significant input into development and assessment of recovery protocols.
- Independent charting using informatics systems (CERNER).
- Report to the National Teams Doctor and Head Physiotherapist about recent scientific research on the benefit of sports massage and post-game recovery protocols.
- Provide in-service briefing following attendance at a course or workshop.
- Manage clinical risk within own caseload including observing the players in all situations applicable to massage and recovery therapy, ensuring safety and security of players.
- Respect local culture regarding players’ privacy during sessions
- Maintain the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior when treating and dealing with National Teams players.
- Provide an opinion on the National Teams Medical Services Unit policies and procedures regarding massage and recovery services.
- To be responsible for competent use and maintenance of all equipment used, to report defects or malfunction of the equipment in a timely manner.
- To undertake routine and general cleaning/tidying tasks within the clinical areas.
- In consultation with Head Physiotherapist keep records of medical consumables and coordinate with Aspetar for restock as required.
- Liaise with Head Physiotherapist to gain support and direction in management of injured players caseload.
- Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication and delivery of care.
- Communicate with all relevant disciplines of staff to maximize player care and promote multidisciplinary team work.
- Maintain accurate player documentation and records using the informatic systems (CERNER) to provide accurate statistical information which reflects provided care and meet highest professional standards.
- To report player complaints, adverse reactions and accident immediately to the National Team Sports Medicine Doctor or Head Physiotherapist
- Liaise with other staff within the National Teams Medical Services Unit to ensure the highest standard of services are provided and to ensure consistency of medical services towards all National Team players.
- Communicate with all relevant disciplines of staff to maximize player care and promote multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Liaise with National Teams Medical Director, Doctors and Head Physiotherapist to ensure appropriate follow up of the National Team players.
- Contribute to implementation of new clinical practice guidelines within the National Teams Services Unit to optimize players care.
- Identify opportunities to improve player care.
- Remain up to date with recent advances in the field of Massage Therapy and Recovery Strategies
- Provide an opinion on different recovery protocols to enhance players performance.
- Follow the Grow Perform Succeed (GPS) program implemented within Aspetar.
- Annually, produce and present projects to promote service development and / or personal development.
- Attend and successfully complete competencies which focus on player safety initiatives implemented within Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital.
- Patient Safety Training is an annual requirement which includes all organizational leaders, staff, service and contracted providers.

**Necessary knowledge and Experience to be able to do the job**:

- 7 - 10 years of experience as a massage therapist.
- 5 years working in football.

**Education and Certification requirements**:

- Massage Therapist or Soft Tissue Manipulation Diploma/Degree.
- BLS valid certificate.

**Skills and Abilities**:

- Expert in developing and implementing massage therapy and recovery programmes and strategies in football players.
- Expert skills in the management of individual case load.
- Personal insight and reflection skills with awareness of own strengths and weaknesses
- Good communication skills with high level of English written and spoken.
- Active team member and able to work within a multicultura