IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT: Applicants must hold an active, unrestricted California Physical Therapist license, be legally authorized to work in the United States, and meet all applicable league credentialing and approval requirements.
Summary:
The Club Physical Therapist will be primarily responsible for the rehabilitation of first team players including delivering individualized care both on and off the field. Reporting directly to the Head of Medical and working under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer, the Physical Therapist will evaluate all players to develop and implement performance/rehabilitation plans and support their progression towards return to performance.
The role will include the assessment of all first team players to identify opportunities to enhance physical capabilities and support their ongoing physical development. The Physical Therapist will work closely with the wider Human Performance team to deliver coordinated, high-performance care and contribute to the clinical development of medical staff across both the first team and the Right to Dream Academy.
The Physical Therapist will maintain timely and accurate documentation of player evaluations, plans of care, progress notes and discharge summaries within the MLS electronic medical record (EMR).
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement individualized physical therapy treatment plans for San Diego FC athletes.
- Conduct thorough assessments of athletes' physical conditions to diagnose issues and plan interventions.
- Provide hands-on therapy, including manual therapy techniques, to alleviate pain and restore function.
- Oversee rehabilitation programs to ensure athletes' safe and effective return to play.
- Collaborate with team physicians and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care.
- Educate athletes on injury prevention techniques, proper body mechanics, and performance enhancement strategies.
- Maintain detailed records of athletes' treatment plans, progress notes, and outcomes.
- Ensure the physical therapy facilities and equipment are properly maintained and stocked.
- Stay current with advancements in physical therapy practices and incorporate evidence-based techniques.
- Participate in the planning and implementation of strength and conditioning programs to optimize athletic performance and prevent injuries.
- Support the medical team at home fixtures.
- Comply with all MLS medical policies and protocol.
- Provide up-to-date physical therapy evaluation, plan of care, progress notes, and discharge notes maintained in the League electronic medical record (EMR).
Qualifications & Experience:
- Four (4) year bachelor’s degree
- Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
- Passed National Physical Therapy Exam
- Possess personal professional liability insurance
- Active, credentialed and licensed in the state(s)/province(s) where the Club has home matches or trains
- CPR certification for Health Care Provider
- Preferred APTA OCS, SCS or NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainers/Therapists
- CSCS, and/or PES, Certified Performance Sport Specialist (CPSS)
- 3+ years’ experience in elite soccer
- Extensive experience in soccer player rehabilitation and manual treatment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge and experience utilizing and integrating medical technologies
- Experience of medical data management systems to ensure the secure and efficient collection, storage and front-end utilization
- Strong medical knowledge and its application to soccer
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) or multi-lingual skills is a plus.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.