Athletic Trainer, Club Sports
Job Details
Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.
Department: Recreation – Club Sports
Reports to: Associate Director of Competitive Sports
Job Type: Full-Time
BASIC FUNCTION
The Athletic Trainer for Club Sports provides preventative care, injury evaluation, first aid, rehabilitation support, and health and safety education for participants within Fairfield University’s Club Sports Program. This position supports student-athletes participating in club sport activities through injury prevention initiatives, emergency response, rehabilitation planning, and collaboration with campus and external healthcare resources.
The Athletic Trainer serves as the primary medical resource for Club Sports and works closely with Competitive Sports staff, student leaders, coaches, University Health Services, and external providers to support participant well-being and reduce program risk.
UNUSUAL WORK CONDITIONS
- Frequent exposure to bloodborne pathogens and potentially hazardous materials.
- Evening and weekend hours required.
- Travel and attendance at practices, competitions, and special events may be required.
- Position requires physical activity including standing, lifting, emergency response, and field/court coverage.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NEEDED
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, or related field required.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Certified Athletic Trainer credential required.
- Current certification through the Board of Certification (BOC).
- Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days.
- Licensed in the State of Connecticut or ability to obtain within 30 days.
- Strong knowledge of sports medicine, injury assessment, and rehabilitation techniques. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 2–3 years of athletic training experience preferred.
- Experience in collegiate recreation, club sports, collegiate athletics, or similar setting preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with student leaders and campus partners.
- Experience with concussion management, emergency planning, and injury rehabilitation preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provides Athletic Training Coverage and Immediate Injury Care. This involves: Providing immediate first aid and emergency response for Club Sport participants. Evaluating injuries and determining the most appropriate treatment recommendations. Providing coverage for identified high-risk club sport practices, competitions, and special events. Assessing participant readiness for return to activity following injury or illness. Responding to emergency situations and coordinating emergency medical services when necessary.
Provides Rehabilitation and Return-to-Participation Support. This involves: Developing rehabilitation and recovery plans for injured participants within scope of practice. Implementing functional return-to-play progressions following injury or surgery. Coordinating referrals and follow-up care with University Health Services, physicians, specialists, and external healthcare providers. Maintaining communication regarding participant restrictions and participation recommendations as appropriate.
Provides Preventative Injury Care and Wellness Education. This involves: Designing and implementing injury prevention initiatives and educational programming. Conducting baseline concussion testing and concussion management protocols for designated high-risk club sports. Providing participant education related to injury prevention, recovery, hydration, wellness, and safe participation practices. Supporting club officers and coaches in creating safer training and competition environments.
Supports Club Sports Risk Management and Safety Initiatives. This involves: Collaborating with Competitive Sports staff to review and maintain the Club Sports Risk Matrix and sport classifications. Developing and maintaining Club Sports Emergency Action Plans and emergency procedures. Supporting student officer and coach training related to safety expectations and emergency response. Completing injury documentation and incident reporting procedures for all athletic training responses. Assisting in departmental safety planning and risk mitigation efforts.
Coordinates Athletic Training Operations and Documentation. This involves: Maintaining accurate and confidential treatment and injury records. Managing athletic training equipment, supplies, and inventory. Recommending purchases and program enhancements related to athletic training services. Assisting with tracking program needs and supporting budget planning. Maintaining compliance with applicable medical documentation standards.
Assist in coordinating documentation for compliance of the department. This involves: Processing insurance claims for all medical bills and expenses on each student. Maintaining up-to-date records on each injured student athlete.
Ensures Compliance and Safe Practices. This involves: Ensuring compliance with OSHA standards and protocols for handling bloodborne pathogens and hazardous materials. Following applicable University, departmental, and governing body policies and procedures. Supporting the implementation of risk management standards and participation requirements.
Participates in Professional Development and Collaboration. This involves: Promoting effective and professional interactions throughout the University community. Participating in department meetings, trainings, and committee work as requested. Maintaining professional development through continuing education, conferences, certifications, and association involvement. Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to enhance Club Sports services and student experience. Contributing to annual assessment and strategic planning efforts.
Promotes safe and secure working conditions. This involves: Promoting the proper utilization of equipment, materials and staff. Notifying supervisor immediately of any unsafe working conditions.
Performs Other Duties as Assigned This position may perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and goals of Recreation and Competitive Sports.
Preferred Characteristics
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent leadership, decision-making, and communication skills; verbal and written.
- Ability to educate and work effectively with college students.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in dynamic environments.
- Commitment to student development, wellness, and creating a positive participant experience.
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