Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: Y7002 / Head Athletic Trainer
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 15
HR Review/Approval:COMP

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Directs the athletic training program for Intercollegiate Athletics and oversees the training room. Collaborates with coaching staff in developing conditioning, weight training and nutrition programs for athletes. Coordinates medical coverage for athletic events. Manages Athletic Trainers/Physical Therapists in the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Determines, with advice from doctors, when and at what level an athlete can return to participation in a sport. Directs departmental operations, including the development and implementation of department policies, processes and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Directs the athletic training program to include physical evaluation and treatment services to student athletes in high-impact, high-intensity and/or large sports prone to extensive and/or chronic injury; provides a comprehensive range of care, including operation of therapeutic devices and equipment, first aid application, customized fitness/nutrition/conditioning plans, and rehabilitation and medical referrals.
  2. Collaborates with coaching staff in developing conditioning, weight training and nutrition programs for athletes. Advises coaching staff as to daily medical status of injured players.
  3. Provides medical coverage for all home varsity athletic contests and practices, and arranges for athletic training coverage at all away contests.
  4. As part of the Athletics Leadership Team, develops and implements policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning, projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals. Assists in the annual budget planning process and regularly monitors expenditures.
  5. Directs and oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
  6. Serves as a liaison between physicians, administrators, coaches, parents, and student athletes regarding injury prevention, diagnosis, care, management, treatment, rehabilitation and claim submission.
  7. Oversees daily management of training room, athletic billing, maintaining medical files, inventorying supplies and equipment, and scheduling follow-up appointments with medical providers, diagnostic testing, and professional consultations.
  8. Oversees safety factors of athletic competition by ensuring elimination of undue hazards.
  9. Serves as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Knowledge and understanding of the unique strategic, programmatic, and operational requirements of a Division I program.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the current and emerging psychosocial issues facing college-level student athletes.
  • Knowledge of NCAA academic and behavioral rules, regulations, guidelines, and standards for student-athletes.
  • Knowledge of NCAA recruiting rules and student-athlete eligibility requirements.
  • Strategic planning and advanced leadership skills.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments; evaluating performance; and mentoring and coaching employees to achieve maximum productivity.
  • Ability to evaluate therapeutic requirements for student-athletes, and to fit and modify therapeutic and/or protective equipment.
  • Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
  • Ability to design and implement fitness, nutrition and/or conditioning programs.
  • Skill in the use of first aid procedures.
  • Knowledge of CPR and emergency medical procedures.
  • Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
  • Ability to develop and formulate working processes, policies, and procedures in area of expertise.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff and parents, as well as a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Ability to collect, interpret, and analyze medical data, and to formulate, implement, and evaluate a plan of medical care.

Conditions of Employment

  • CPR Certified.
  • Compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations is required in this position.
  • Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
  • Must maintain State of New Mexico Athletic Trainers Practice Board License.
  • Must maintain certification from National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
  • Some out of state travel required.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 07/25/2021