About the Position
The Golden State Valkyries are looking for a Head of Rehabilitation to collaborate and contribute to the full player performance performance continuum. This pivotal role will safeguard the health and performance of all athletes and develop an athlete-centered model of player care and development. You will combine advanced clinical expertise in injury rehabilitation and manual therapy, strategic planning for return-to-play pathways, and collaborate across medical, performance, strength and conditioning and coaching teams. You will structure and oversee the rehabilitation continuum, from acute injury through to full competition, while leading injury-prevention, manual-therapy and strength and conditioning integration to minimize injury risk and expedite performance restoration. In this role, you will collaborate closely with team physicians, surgeons, athletic trainers, DPT, strength and conditioning coaches and performance staff to ensure a multidisciplinary, high-performance environment and safe return-to-play outcomes. This position will report to Director, Performance.
This is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise while learning more about this growing sports and entertainment organization that values your initiative and dedication!
This is full-time position located in Oakland, CA with frequent travel to San Francisco.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement and continuously monitoring individualized rehabilitation programs for injured athletes, facilitating a safe, efficient and performance-data-driven return to play
- Provide hands-on manual therapeutic interventions (e.g., soft-tissue therapy, mobilizations, manual techniques) to address musculoskeletal injuries, restore mobility and reduce pain/disability
- Design and execute injury-prevention programs in coordination with strength and conditioning, and performance and medical staff, including mobility, flexibility, stability, movement-screening, neuromuscular training, pre-habilitation and education of athletes
- Oversee gym and field-based rehabilitation and reintegration sessions (hybrid model) in collaboration with strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers, to ensure a seamless transition from clinic/treatment to performance environment
- Establish and monitor objective exit-criteria, performance metrics and return-to-play benchmarks (e.g., strength symmetry, movement quality, deceleration/acceleration mechanics, sport-specific drills) and present clear progression phases
- Serve as the clinical lead for medium and long-term injury cases and coordinate peri-operative/in-hospital care, post-surgical rehabilitation, external specialist referrals and off-site care as required
- Be the department lead for regular return-to-play meetings, providing detailed updates to the Director of Performance, medical and performance staff, and other stakeholders
- Develop, maintain and update rehabilitation protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) based on best-practice, evidence-based research and sport-specific demands
- Contribute to injury surveillance, data analytics, reporting and injury-risk mitigation strategies; maintain accurate, confidential treatment and rehabilitation records
- Mentor, supervise and develop team members, interns and volunteers and promote a high-performance culture of accountability, growth and excellence
- Ensure the treatment and rehabilitation facility and treatment rooms are prepared and maintained to high standards and ensure safety cleanliness, and fit for elite athlete care
- Stay up to date with advancements in sports rehabilitation, manual therapy, strength and conditioning integration and performance medicine
- Implement new techniques/technologies into the program where appropriate
- Prepare to respond to acute injuries during practices and matches and provide on-field or clinic-based immediate assessment/intervention as required
- Manage departmental budget (rehabilitation & treatment-room resources) and ensure resource allocation aligns with injury-prevention and performance objectives
- Other duties as assigned
Required Experience & Skills
- 5+ years post-qualification experience in a clinical/rehabilitation role supporting elite athletes (professional or high-performance amateur); prior experience in a senior rehabilitation role in a professional sports organization (e.g., premier league club, professional basketball/football club, national team) highly preferred
- PhD in physiotherapy or related field highly preferred
- Preferred certifications: CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist), LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) or equivalent; manual therapy/soft-tissue certification; experience in high-performance sport environment.
- Valid licensure/certification as a physiotherapist, manual therapist or equivalent recognized professional credential in the jurisdiction of employment
- Proven manual-therapy credentials and advanced competencies (e.g., soft-tissue techniques, mobilization, treatment-bed work, manual interventions).
- Extensive knowledge of injury-prevention frameworks, return-to-play protocols, strength & conditioning integration, movement screening and sports-performance metrics
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills and ability to work effectively with athletes, coaches, physicians, therapists and performance staff
- Proven ability to develop and implement evidence-based rehabilitation programs and adjust based on objective data and performance outcomes
- Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR), clinical documentation, and athlete-data systems
Time Commitment
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel with the team
Compensation
- $150,000 - $165,000 + Bonus
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision benefits for employees and dependents
- Employer 401K match
- Vacation and a generous paid time off plan for pregnancy and parental leaves
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Golden State is an equal opportunity employer.
We will ensure that qualified applicants with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Want to learn more about who we are and what we value? Visit www.warriors.com/employment
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