Academy Player Care Officer - #1746160

We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join our Liverpool FC team as aAcademy Player Care Officer.

You will lead on Academy Player Care matters across the U9-U14 age groups and develop positive relationships with players, parents, families and staff. You will support the Academy Player Care Manager with U15-U21 age groups.

What will you be doing?

Inductions

• Co-ordinate age group start of season inductions dates, arrangements and presentational material, working closely with respective Heads of Coaching, Coaches and MDT staff.
• Arrange and deliver inductions for new signed players, with Recruitment and Coaching staff.
  
  

Player/Parent Relationships

• Be a familiar presence around the programme, including regular evenings and weekends on a weekly basis, to help foster positive relationships.
• Establish regular contact and interactions with player/parents, as appropriate.
• Offer Welfare support as and when required to Academy Players.
• Support Coaching and MDT staff with addressing issues that arise from players/parents.
• Operate Player/Parent Voice mechanisms to receive constructive feedback which can endorse and improve Academy provision.
  
  

Programme

• Regular attendance across the Academy programme, including evenings and weekends.
• Attend domestic and international trips and tours, and other off-site group activities/outings.
• Collaborate with MDT team
• Represent Player Care at MDT meetings
• Contribute to Player & Parent Education programme as and when required
  
  

Transition

• Support the continued development of the Transition Strategy for players leaving the Academy, and lead the delivery of this for players in the U9-U14 age groups.
• Support released players looking to move to other Clubs, working closely with Coaches, Recruitment and Football Administration staff.
• Track and record destinations of former players, maintaining contact where appropriate.
  
  

Collaboration with Safeguarding & Player Care Team

• Work closely with Club’s Safeguarding team and Player Support Team within the Academy.
• Record accurate information in a timely manner.
  
  

U15-U21 Player Care Support

• Support the Academy Player Care Manager with the U15-U21 Player Care matters, including but not limited to:
• Host Family Programme: recruitment, placements, contact, visits, entertaining and training.
• Arranging Player/Parent travel and accommodation where required for older age groups, in accordance with Academy Player Expenses Policy.
  

Supporting Academy Transport

• Act as the principal nominated deputy to the Supervisor, Transport & Fleet during their periods of absence (e.g. Annual Leave). Duties when providing cover include:
• Develop a positive working relationship with Transport team and a sound understanding of processes linked to Academy Transport to support the fulfilment of cover duties.
  
  

Who are we looking for?

To be successful in this role, you will have proven, recent experience in a similar role working in a professional, elite sporting environment. You will have experience working with young people and their families to support them on their journey with the club. You will be aware of and act in accordance with EPPP & Premier League Youth Development Rules, including the requirement to maintain qualifications and undertake continuous professional development.

You will be able to demonstrate the ability to create positive working relationships with all key stakeholders with excellent communication and strong people skills. You will be comfortable having constructive conversations and able to adapt your approach depending on the situation. You will have strong organisational and skills and be able to prioritise your workload effectively. You will also have excellent administrative skills and be comfortable with recording information in a professional, timely and diligent manner.

You will have experience of safeguarding children and understand the importance of the Club’s Safeguarding policies and fulfil your role in accordance with these to ensure the safety and welfare of our young players. This includes but is not limited to ensuring appropriate supervision; working to safer working practices; undertaking mandatory training; monitoring potential safeguarding risks and highlighting these to Safeguarding staff using the Club's reporting system; and promoting an inclusive environment.

Essential

Qualifications & Experience

Desired

• Experience & knowledge of welfare and player care within elite sport.
• FA Safeguarding Awards or equivalent certificate.
• Experience & knowledge of placing young people in private accommodation fulfilling Local Authority requirements and standards.
  
  

Why should you apply?

This is a full-time perm position working35hours per week. Your main base will be our Academy.For this role, you must have an flexible approach to your working hours and be able to work evenings/ weekends regularly.

To reward your hard work and commitment we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays and the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days) and a contributory pension scheme.

You will have access to our benefits kit bag where you can get high street discounts, and a selection of benefit schemes you can join. There are opportunities to get involved with volunteering through our LFC Foundation to give back to the local community.

At Liverpool Football Club, we have an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and are always looking to making a positive difference in the communities that we operate within. We are proud of our achievements in this area; maintaining the Premier League Equality Standard Advanced Level, becoming a founding signatory of the Football Association’s Football Leadership Diversity Code and being recognised as a leader in this important area on and off the pitch. We take our responsibilities in this area seriously and through the work being done across the club, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our people and becoming an increasingly inclusive workplace for all. We are committed to hiring great people representative of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills across our entire business. If you share our enthusiasm and passion for inclusivity, then we want to hear from you.

Liverpool FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Colleagues and Volunteers to share this commitment. This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

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