DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is a responsible professional position involving planning and implementation of an athletic training program for student athletes. The athletic training program must provide care and treatment of athletic injuries, as well as training regarding prevention of athletic injuries, in accordance with Section 8532 of New York State Education Law. Duties include the management of athletic injuries/illnesses, including preconditioning, conditioning and reconditioning through use of appropriate preventative and supportive devices, under the supervision of a physician. Responsibilities also include providing instruction and advice to athletes, parents, medical personnel and communities in the area of care and prevention of athletic injuries. Work is performed under general supervision of a licensed physician and the school district Athletic Director, with considerable leeway for exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Supervision may be exercised over paid or volunteer student assistants. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Plans and implements an athletic training program, working closely with school district athletic director to integrate the training program into the overall athletic program of the school district;
• Provides training, instruction, and strategies relative to minimizing injuries, such as conditioning programs, judicious equipment selection, athletic activity safety checks and determination of physical fitness for participation in intended activities;
• Provides for the care, prevention and treatment of athletic injuries and/or improves physical fitness of athletes for participation in various sports programs;
• Develops and maintains athletic training program budget;
• Maintains detailed records on student athletes including sports physicals, incident report forms, injuries, and treatments;
• Prepares reports and provides insurance claim forms relating to incidents, injuries, treatments, etc., as required;
• Provides student athletes, parents, coaches and school staff with information regarding sound health habits and injury care and prevention practices;
• Provides athletic training services for all home athletic contests and varsity football games;
• Conducts initial evaluation following any injury and makes  decisions regarding management of the injury;
• Provides first aid, CPR, and coordinates emergency transportation, as necessary;
• Determines if student athletes need joint or muscular support and performs the taping of ankles, wrists, fingers or wrapping of muscles such as hamstrings, quadriceps, etc., to enable student athletes return to functional athletic performance;
• Applies appropriate physical therapy, as allowed by law, and/or conditioning for the rehabilitation of an athletic injury;
• Refers student athletes and/or families to appropriate physicians, as required;
• Acts as liaison between family physicians and specialists, the school district, athletes and their parents;
• Monitors the healing progress of injuries, reintegrates student athletes into activities as appropriate;
• Informs coaches and/or athletic director about whether an injured athlete may resume participation in athletic activities, and provides lists of athletes medically eligible to compete, as requested;
• Operates a personal computer, peripheral equipment, calculator and other related office equipment in performing work assignments;
• Assists the athletic director, as requested;
• May attend training events and/or conferences as required to maintain proficiency;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of sports medicine; thorough knowledge of Advanced First Aid, CPR and emergency management procedures; good knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, rules, and regulations related to athletic training; good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of equipment utilized in athletic training; working knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology; ability to evaluate, plan and coordinate appropriate care for injuries; ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; initiative and resourcefulness; tact and courtesy; integrity; dependability; good judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in athletic training or a related field from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). 

NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Current certification in emergency cardiac care (ECC) at the time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.
2. Certification as an Athletic Trainer (ATC) in accordance with Article 162 of the New York State Education Law at the time of application.
3. Candidates for appointment in school districts must obtain clearance for employment from the State Education Department prior to employment based upon a fingerprint and criminal history background check, in accordance with the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation, Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, and by the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

9/07; 5/08; 2/18

Competitive Class