Contract type
Full time
Contract duration
Permanent
Full description
An exciting opportunity for an accredited Sport & Exercise Psychologist to Head up an experienced and
forward-thinking team, as an integral part of our Category 1 Academy Science & Medicine department.
Role: Full-Time (will include some evenings & weekends)
Based: Chadwell Heath/Rush Green
Main Responsibilities:
1. Lead on the direction and evolution of an Academy Psychology Framework, which is aligned
across the phases and clearly demonstrates age and stage appropriate modifications to provision along a
players Academy journey.
2. Manage a team of staff to optimise the delivery of Academy Psychology provision across the
phases.
3. Take an active lead on planning and delivery of Psychological support to all PDP players,
including U18 squad, U21 squad and loan players. This will involve close collaboration with both MDT’s
and in particular Lead Coaches to ensure alignment and connection, bespoke to each group and
individual.
4. Ensure a calendar and curriculum of content & activity is in place, widely communicated across
the Academy, adhered to; and is aligned to the department framework for YDP & FP.
5. Ensure the implementation of phase appropriate Psychological & mental health screening at
appropriate stages, in line with the department framework.
6. Ensure provision of staff and parent education programmes, relevant to role and phase.
7. Be an active member of the Academy Management Team (AMT), attending monthly meetings
and representing the Psychology department.
8. Attend monthly meetings with Psychology staff and Head of Academy Science & Medicine to
review provision and drive progress as a department.
9. Be accountable for setting and evaluating against Psychology department KPI’s, which will align
with the overall Academy mission & strategy.
10. Lead the department through annual PGAAC audit processes, with an excellent understanding of
the requirements of Safe to Operate, Compliance, and Standards sections, with a clear strategy on how
the department is going to excel in each area, following through to execute these plans.
11. Integrate within, and drive a culture with individual development at the forefront, demonstrating
the Academy values in everything we do.
Safeguarding:
1. Staff must evidence a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at
risk regardless of their age, gender, language, religion, ethnic background or sexual identity and ensure
the safety and protection of all children, young people and adults at risk taking part in any activity
arranged by or in the name of the Club.
2. It is a requirement for staff to follow the Club’s Safeguarding reporting procedures to report without
delay, allegations of abuse, poor practice or which is or may, impact on the welfare of a child, young
person or adult at risk. After contacting and taking guidance from the Safeguarding Team, staff must use
the Club’s Child Protection Online Management System (CPOMS) to record the concern within 24 hours
unless directed to do otherwise.
Equal Opportunities:
1. To ensure that all departments are provided within an anti-discriminatory framework and take account
of such issues as race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion and age.
2. To carry out work in a manner which promotes equality of opportunity for both staff and clients.
Person Specification:
Essential:
1. BPS accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology (or equivalent)
2. BPS accredited MSc Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology (or equivalent)
3. QSEP or SEPAR accreditation pathway complete
4. HCPC accreditation
5. Previous experience of working with elite young athletes
6. Good understanding of adolescent brain development
7. Experience managing staff
8. Experience working in an MDT
9. Effective and appropriate communication skills
10. Good time management and prioritisation skills
Desirable:
1. Experience working within a Football Academy
2. Experience working with senior athletes as well as in youth sport
3. Experience using PMA or Kitman Labs/Football Intelligence Platform
4. Excellent understanding of the expectations of a Category 1 Academy according to the EPPP
We are committed to the principle of equality and equal opportunities in employment and have been
accredited with the being Disability Confident Leader. We will actively promote equality and equal
opportunities in our business to ensure that individuals receive treatment that is fair and equitable and
consistent with their relevant aptitudes, potential skills and abilities. Employees will be recruited and
selected, promoted and trained on the basis of objective criteria.
West Ham United FC is committed to equality and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Positions
that involve working with such groups are subject to safer recruitment protocols, including DBS
Disclosure at enhanced level.
We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our creativity and delivers the best commercial
performance. We are, therefore seeking applications from high quality people, whose backgrounds,
experience and identity broadens and enhances the diversity of our company.
As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health of our
staff.
Please apply through our careers site https://www.careers.whufc.com
by midday on Monday 30th December 2024.
West Ham United reserve the right to close the advert early.
Interviews expected to be held early January 2025.
Due to a high number of expected applicants, only those successful will be contacted.
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