The IRFU would like to invite applications for the position of Medical Department Coordinator. Reporting to the Head of Medical Services, this full time role will develop and implement guidelines and policies related to all aspects of player welfare within the professional game. The Coordinator will work closely with all the high performance departments (coaching, S&C, nutrition, refereeing, IRUPA etc.) to develop world leading player welfare practices. The role will also encompass monitoring of practice implementation and oversight of related research in the area of player welfare.

The ideal candidate will have:

Essential:

• Relevant sports related healthcare or sports science degree.
• MSc in a healthcare or sport science or epidemiology area desirable.
• 2-3 years post degree or MSc experience.
• Knowledge of musculoskeletal injuries (including concussion) and performance related illness.
• Project management.
• Current valid driving license.
• Experience of developing and delivering training programmes desirable.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to generate and deliver reports
• Experience in medical research
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• High-level computer skills including Excel & SPS
• Knowledge of medical injuries incl. concussion
• The ability to work well within a team environment

Desirable:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience preferably within a rugby related area

The ideal candidate will also be:

• Highly motivated with the ability to work under his/her own direction to achieve performance targets within agreed timeframe.
• Able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team within a high performance environment.
• Proactive, flexible performance orientated approach.
• Excellent in terms of communication skills including presenting, writing reports and relationship building.
• Highly organised
• IT / Computer literate and competent including use of Excel and SPS.
• Able to understand and maintain appropriate medical confidentiality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Devise, implement and monitor Injury prevention strategies for rugby
• Liaise closely with the Provincial and National Medical teams to ensure they are regularly updated on IRFU Medical policy/procedures
• Ensure IRFU medical store room is stocked and equipped with relevant supplies and that all IRFU teams have appropriate medical equipment and supplies
• Devise a stocktaking plan to ensure that individual teams supplies are captured and budgeted
• Assist with coordination of medical examinations / tests before contracts of employment are signed.
• Report on current and forecast medical expenditure
• Ensure that the Injury tracking system (Kitman, or alternative system) is maintained and kept up to date by National and Provincial Medical Team
• Administrative coordinator of the Injury tracking system (Kitman or an alternative system), the Concussion testing programme (currently ImPACT)
• Evaluate the Kitman database system to track professional players injuries, availability and the associated costs
• Provide support to the S & C Department by collating weekly reports on Kitman & Prozone data & following up on any issue
• Coordinate, monitor and plan schedules for Physiotherapists of IRFU National teams
• Ensure appropriate medical cover for matches, camps and training sessions.
• Develop and deliver medical protocols and guidleines for the professional game.
• Assist with CPD maintenance/recording by members of IRFU Medical teams
• Assist with coordination, communication and minutes of the IRFU Medical Advisory Committee (approx. 3 meetings/year)
• Liaise with other bodies both internal and external as required.
• Show initiative in development of teaching and learning programmes for medical staff and players
• Other duties as assigned by the Heal of Medical.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Produce relevant and timely reports to Head of Medical
• Ensure player medical records are updated regularly particularly in relation to the IRFU Player pre-contract medicals
• Attend relevant courses to maintain professional expertise
• Attend IRFU Medical and Physiotherapy meetings.
• Continue with the development of a Medical Department handbook and web-based resources for rugby injury prevention, treatment and reporting
• Assist with coordination of IRFU Medical and Physiotherapy meetings and prepare occasional presentations (case reports, journal or conference reviews) for these meetings
• Develop material for the IRFU injury prevention information

To apply:
This position is being offered on a 2 year fixed term contract basis. The position is based in our Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin office. To apply for the above position, please email your CV to Eoin Ward, HR Generalist at recruitment@irfu.ie The closing date for applications is strictly Friday, 6^th November 2015 at 13:00.

The IRFU is an equal opportunities employer