Physiotherapist

Reports to:
Performance Support Manager (PSM)

Area:
High Performance (HP)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE):
0.4

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

Surfing Australia is a National Sporting Organisation that was formed in 1963 to establish, guide and promote the development of surfing in Australia

Surfing Australia is the representative body on the International Surfing Association (ISA) of which there are 86 member countries and is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Olympic Committee and is a member of the Water Safety Council of Australia.

Our High Performance Program (SA HPP) supports our Australian athletes to become world's best surfers and people, through:


World-class sports programming

Coaching

Camps

Performance support services

Research & Innovation

Event support


ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

This role will have an approximately equal split between delivering support at international events and in the daily performance environment (DPE) at SA's High Performance Centre.

The primary responsibilities of the role are:


Implementation, monitoring and delivery of physiotherapy servicing and evaluation to SA categorized athletes and those selected for Australian Teams

Contribute to a multidisciplinary approach with the SA Performance Support team

Monitor international trends, developments and issues in physiotherapy and implement developments in relation to an elite sport environment

Educate athletes, coaches and other practitioners in the topic of physiotherapy as it applies to surfing

Liaise with the Surfing Australia Physiotherapy Lead and network physiotherapists when in the National Team environment to ensure continuity of service. When involved in National Team activities, liaise with service providers in the home DPE also to ensure continuity of service in the National Team environment

Ensure SA policies and protocols that support athlete performance are followed and implemented.

Implementing and driving a collaborative approach to planning, preparation and performance that optimises expertise to close 'gaps' to performance

Plan, design and deliver Physiotherapy support primarily in the context of events but also during camps and training blocks as needed in collaboration with other Performance Support personnel

Work collaboratively in the planning, implementation and delivery of SA camp servicing and pathway activities from a Physiotherapy support requirement.

Contribute to the development and delivery of education strategies, tools and resources for athletes, coaches and service providers on Physiotherapy appropriate to the high performance and the needs of developing and elite-level athletes.

Foster a culture of outcome driven, 'Best Practice', evidence-based service delivery and support within integrated performance team environments.

Work collaboratively as part of a high performing team/organisation, establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with key internal and/or external stakeholders to deliver high quality business outcomes.


KEY CHALLENGES


Working in a fast-paced, complex multi-discipline high performance environment.

Working within a restricted resource environment.

Working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and varying agendas.

Adapting to ways of working that includes 'cross discipline' delivery of performance support requiring close liaison with discipline expertise


KEY RELATIONSHIPS


Manager:
To ensure performance is aligned for sustainable success

HP Program staff:
To work collaboratively to support, enable and impact optimal performance together

Athletes;
Build trusting and professional relationships to support individual needs and achieve performance optimisation

Coaches:
To support the delivery of sustainable high performance, athlete progression, and wellbeing

Performance Team(s):
To support an integrated performance approach and collaboratively prepare our athletes to become world's best surfers and people.

National Institute Network (NIN):
To enhance collaboration within the National system

AIS/ASC/ Professional Network:
To support the achievement of system and Surfing Australia outcomes and to maintain current best practice and learnings.


KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Technical specialist leadership


Drive and implement the SA organisational strategic agenda to achieve section outcomes. This includes:

Support the delivery of a multi-disciplined Performance Support program within the competition setting of Australia's elite surfers.

Collaborate with network providers on the delivery of Physiotherapy and Soft-Tissue Therapy services for all nationally categorised athletes.

To monitor injuries as they are reported in the Athlete Management System (AMS), ensuring follow up with athletes and coaches when new injuries are identified and home physiotherapists if the injury is deemed to require treatment and intervention.

In conjunction with the Surfing Australia Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Medical Support network, assist targeted athletes in formulating individual treatment and rehabilitation programs where necessary.

When a priority athlete is injured or ill, to be in contact with all the relevant stake holders i.e. Athlete, Coach, Head of Program, PSM and service providers to ensure a well communicated and structured management plan is in place.

Provide high level physiotherapy services to identified categorized athletes as necessary, particularly during competitions and where required, during intense periods of treatment in the DPE or to be used as a second opinion for diagnosis and treatment options

Support National squads and teams in line with the SA strategy, in domestic and international competition

Work collaboratively as part of a high performing team/organisation, establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders to identify, and deliver high quality integrated outcomes

To assist in the management of the Athlete Monitoring System (AMS) for:

Measuring injury and illness cost

Monitoring athlete well-being and training load

Document and share athlete data in the AMS as per SA policy and guidelines

Deliver quality advice and reporting to the SA PSM, or coaches as appropriate

To ensure key individuals (High Performance Director, Head of Program, personal coaches, PSM, CMO) have the data and reports available to make key decisions around clinical interventions.

Liaise with coaches and other Performance Support staff on physical loading parameters, technique, and injury surveillance

Deliver appropriate education for targeted coaches & athletes Implement programs for the prevention and management of injuries for athletes, including monitoring and modification as above


Implement the Performance Planning Strategy


Contribute to the implementation of the Physiotherapy Plan, including delivery and education of best practice resources

Ensure prioritization of athlete-focused performance planning


Deliver Performance Planning Support


As a member of the performance team, work collaboratively with coaches to analyse needs of athletes to set appropriate Physiotherapy plans and goals, implement plans, monitor and adjust these plans and review periodically.

As a member of the SA's performance support network actively align with the strategy, direction and any best practice principles set out.


Direct Delivery

Daily Performance Environment (including culture, services and camps)


Promote/support a 'performance centred culture' and commit to continuous learning

Implement screening, testing and monitoring aligned to needs, inclusive of regular communication to athletes, coach and performance support staff

Regularly attend international competitions to support an integrated approach to performance support needs


Performance Management


Meet monthly with supervisor/management to discuss performance, monitor progress and consider future requirements.

Commit to developing an individual action plan and delivering on the agreed professional development plan


Operations and Reporting


In conjunction with the PSM assist in the development, integration, quality assurance, maintenance of SA HP Program Performance Support facilities, equipment, services & staff to ensure the sport remains at the forefront of performance.

Within the Athlete Management System (AMS) establish, implement, and maintain quality data capture, analysis and reporting process, including using any additional required system/sport platforms.

Participate in SA / NIN performance planning and management group meetings.

Attend and where appropriate lead formal meetings

Manage issues professionally


General


Represent SA as required

Work collaboratively with other SA Departments towards organisational outcomes

Adhere to all the SA policies and procedures, particularly the Code of Conduct

Reflect the SA values in everyday work environment

Comply with WHS legislation, company WHS policies, objectives and procedures. Contribute and participate in the health and safety of all staff, visitors and contractors.


POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

Masters degree in Sports Physiotherapy (or equivalent) or Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Professional Accreditations


AHPRA registration

APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist


Skills and experience


Extensive experience in Physiotherapy, including demonstrated ability to manage high level caseload in an elite sport environment. Experience working with surfers is highly desirable.

Demonstrated capacity to provide timely, compelling and concise advice to inform senior management to support decision making.

Demonstrated experience in risk management, planning and strategy development.

Demonstrated expertise in addressing and managing female specific musculoskeletal and pelvic health concerns

Experience as a physiotherapist at the national and international team level.

Experience at major competitions such as World Championship Tour events, World Championships or Olympic Games.

Demonstrated record of working independently and collaboratively to achieve high personal and team performance and meet organisational and business objectives.

Experience delivering cultural change through influence and using innovative techniques.

Experience working in high performance sport and understanding of the Australian sports system.

Highly developed communication skills (including interpersonal, negotiation, influencing and representation) and a proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships both internally and externally with a diverse range of stakeholders.


Key personal attributes


Demonstrated commitment, drive and initiative, with the ability to work independently and inter-dependently.

Demonstrated capacity to cooperate and work well with others in a cross-functional environment to pursue team goals, share information, support others, show consideration and respect for alternate ideas and solutions.

Ability to work outside normal working hours as required.


PLEASE NOTE:


This position is required to travel domestically and/or internationally.

This position requires/may require weekend work, or outside ordinary work hours.

The successful candidate for this role will be subject to a National Police Criminal History Check prior to appointment.

The successful candidate for this role will be required to undertake a Security Clearance.

The ability to obtain (and maintain) clearance/s to work with children is an essential component of this role and continued employment.

The successful candidate for this role will be required to have an Australian driver's license. It is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate license.?


Citizenship/Visa:

You must be an Australian citizen, have permanent residency status or a visa permitting you to work in Australia. You are required to notify surfing Australia if your right to work in Australia ceases.