Athletic Trainer

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the School Principal and Athletic Director, the Athletic Trainer is responsible for the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of injuries for student-athletes in the high school and middle school athletic complex. This role supports student health and safety, promotes wellness, and ensures compliance with district, state, and professional standards. The Athletic Trainer collaborates with physicians, coaches, school staff, and families to facilitate safe participation and return-to-play decisions.

Essential Functions

• Athletic Healthcare Services: Provides comprehensive athletic training services, including injury prevention, clinical evaluation, immediate care, treatment, and rehabilitation of student-athletes, as well as concussion recognition and management in compliance with Virginia law, including return-to-play protocols. Implements evidence-based practices aligned with state licensure and professional standards. Coordinates and verifies pre-participation physical examinations and medical eligibility for student-athletes.
• Event Coverage and Risk Management: Develops and implements plans for athletic training coverage at all athletic events in accordance with policy. Ensures appropriate medical coverage for practices and competitions. Monitors environmental conditions (e.g., heat index, weather) and modifies activity in accordance with Virginia High School League (VHSL) and district safety guidelines.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develops, implements, and maintains venue- and condition-specific Emergency Action Plans (EAPs). Responds effectively to emergencies, ensuring the safety of all participants. Ensures AED accessibility, maintenance, and compliance with sudden cardiac arrest prevention requirements.
• Injury Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintains accurate, thorough, and up-to-date medical records for all athletic injuries, treatments, and rehabilitation plans in compliance with district policies and applicable laws. Maintains confidentiality of student health information in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, including FERPA and HIPAA as applicable.
• Facility and Program Management: Establishes daily hours of operation for the athletic training facility. Manages and maintains the athletic training room to ensure a safe and effective treatment environment. Develops and manages the budget for athletic training supplies and equipment. Maintains inventory and ensures proper procurement and maintenance of necessary resources.
• Collaboration and Communication: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with team physicians, community healthcare providers, school nurses, coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and families. Communicates clearly regarding injuries, treatment plans, and return-to-play decisions in collaboration with a physician and in accordance with state law and school division policy.
• Student-Aide Program Development: Initiates, administers, and supervises an athletic training student-aide program in accordance with school guidelines, state law and scope-of-practice limitations.
• Professional Development and Training: Develops and delivers professional development for coaches and staff as needed. Completes required district trainings including Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and complies with associated regulations. Implements and complies with Virginia laws, school board policies and Virginia High School League (VHSL) rules and regulations.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal, Athletic Director, or other administrators.

Participates in school events, meetings, and professional development activities as required.

Travels between school sites and athletic venues as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Applied Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of athletic training principles, injury prevention, clinical evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Decision-Making: Ability to think critically and make independent, sound clinical decisions regarding care and return-to-play within scope of practice and licensure guidelines.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains precise and thorough documentation of injuries, treatments, and rehabilitation progress.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates effective communication skills in high-pressure situations with students, families, medical professionals, and staff.
• Organization and Time Management: Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Collaboration: Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to support student-athlete health and performance.

Educational Requirements and Certifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in athletic training or related field required. Master's Degree preferred.
• Certification/License:
• Must hold current Board of Certification (BOC) certification.
• Must possess or be eligible for state athletic training licensure, certification, or registration.

Physical and Mental Demands

Works in athletic training facilities, gymnasiums, and outdoor athletic environments.

Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and responding quickly in emergency situations.

Must be able to lift and move equipment and assist injured athletes.

FLSA Status: Exempt