Description:
With a strong track record of high-performance success at Olympic, World Championship and Commonwealth events, we are now looking to build even greater momentum as we head towards the Olympic Games in LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced physiotherapist to oversee physiotherapy delivery across the performance pathway with a specific focus on projects and initiatives in support of the delivery of DA’s High-Performance Pathway Strategy. This position plays a pivotal role in injury management and prevention. The role will not provide direct treatment but will play a key role in supporting the coordination and enhancement of physiotherapy services across the country to ensure optimum athlete health and well-being.
Diving Australia focus on valuing physical, mental, emotional, and cultural wellbeing, and our environment is one of high support and high challenge while fostering a holistic approach to supporting our athletes and our people.
The purpose of the National Lead Physio position is to reduce / minimise the number of athlete injuries and days lost to training and competition by providing a better understanding of the root cause and preventive measures and interventions that are implemented.
This role is equivalent to 1 day per week and is expected to operate as an Independent Contractor arrangement.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Injury Management and Prevention
- Injury management for divers including prevention and return to sport.
- Use AMS data to highlight key areas for injury and illness prevention and longitudinal trends, including training load.
- Develop and implement strategies to reduce injury incidence and improve athlete availability rates and reduced days lost to injury and illness.
- Develop protocols, documents for coaches, parents, etc. to support the injury management and prevention projects.
- Develop and deliver education to athletes and coaches, regarding self management strategies of common injuries and training load management
- Co-ordinate and work with the NIN diving physiotherapists on challenging cases, ensuring that lessons learnt are documented and information future practice.
Management of Projects
- Lead on a nationwide approach for key work, such as: Periodic Health Evaluations; female athlete health; epidemiology reporting; recovery and sleep; and growth and maturation in athletes.
- Lead and contribute to key projects aimed at improving athlete health, injury prevention, and performance support.
- Develop a screening tool for athletes joining high-performance programs from other elite sports: such as gymnastics, trampoline and acro.
- Support the DA CMO with relevant policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Support DA with other priorities as they arise.
- Attend camps and competitions as the team physiotherapist, as needed.
ABOUT YOU
- APA Sport and Exercise Titled Physio and Master of Sport Physiotherapy
- Current AHPRA registered and practicing physiotherapist within Australia
- Significant experience in high-performance sport, with a strong understanding of injury prevention strategies and training load management in elite sports
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with experience in facilitating professional communities of practice
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects and work collaboratively with coaches and performance support staff
- Sport physiotherapy experience 8+ years
- Demonstrated ability to provide effective professional leadership and undertake a lead role in ways that produce results through collaborative partnerships and broader sport relationships.
- Proven experience in presenting performance health related information that supports a coordinated approach across all stakeholders
- Proven experience in managing and prevention of injuries to high-performance athletes
- Impeccable track record of adhering to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice.
- Resolute desire to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all athletes be they children, young people, or young adults.
Essential Requirements
- Relevant Tertiary Qualification
- Sports Medicine / Physio / Allied Health Degree
- National Police / Criminal History Check
- Working with Children / Working with Vulnerable People Check
- APA Sport and Exercise Titled Physio and Master of Sport Physiotherapy
- Current AHPRA registered and practicing physiotherapist within Australia
Desirable Criteria
- ABN and current Public Liability & Indemnity Insurance