At Oxford United, the aim of our player support strategy is to provide an environment for ourplayers to excel, both individually and collectively. Using innovation and creative methods weaim to establish our teams at the highest level of the game.
In order to support our performance strategy with an integrated approach to player care and
welfare, Oxford United Football Club are recruiting a Performance Psychologist.
Purpose of the Job
The successful applicant will play a lead role in designing and implementing initiatives to
enhance the provision of performance psychology to individual and team members, as part
of the development of a high performance culture. The successful candidate will have
previous experience working in an elite sporting environment and will have a proven track
record in building and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders, including
athletes, coaches, and support staff.
Principle Responsibilities
This role is offered on a part time basis (0.2 FTE). Key responsibilities include, but are not
limited to:
• Leading the operational delivery of psychological support services to the first team
players, coaches and support staff.
• As a member of the Department of Performance, the successful applicant will be
expected to operate within an interdisciplinary environment.
• Liaise closely with the club health and welfare consultant on issues surrounding
broader mental health and wellbeing.
• Play a lead role in highlighting standards and values aligned to the club culture and
performance strategy. Strengthen the identity of psychology as a key element of
successful performance on and off the pitch.
• Assist in the recruitment and retention of outstanding psychological support
across all club pathways. Liaise with department leads on continuous
professional development.
• Contribute to the development of the performance strategy involving key internal
and external research projects which underpin future service developments.
• Develop and maintain an extensive network both inside and outside football with
whom to share and develop best practice.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of note keeping in accordance with
professional standard requirements.
• Lead in writing and continually updating the department’s standard operating
procedures (SOP) documents.
Nature and Scope of Job
The successful candidate will deliver comprehensive psychological programmes, based on
sound evidence-based principles to elite players. The successful candidate will have
experience working in a team environment within an elite/high performance environment.
Although an advantage, previous experience working in football is not essential. The role
hours will initially be 1 day per week (0.2 FTE). Although primarily Oxford based there may be
requirement from time to time to attend matches, main squad sessions, overseas tours during
the off-season and/or other travel throughout the UK.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential
1. Post graduate qualification in Exercise and or Sports Psychology
2. Minimum 3 years’ experience delivering services in elite sport.
3. BPS Chartered or SEPAR status and registered with the Health and Care
Professions Council (HCPC)
4. Full Driving License
Desirable
1. Experience delivering psychological support in First Team professional football
environments
2. British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (BASES) accreditation
3. Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Personal Attributes
1. Able to work on your own initiative and maintain independence within the
environment
2. Knowledgeable in a range of psychological therapies
3. An excellent communicator
OUFC are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people that we work
with. As such, all post holder will be subject to a safer recruitment process, including the
disclosure of criminal records (DBS) and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of
policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice
across our services.
What we offer
• A competitive day rate aligned with industry standards
• Complete OUFC performance kit
• All meals provided during days on site
• CPD events in line with Oxford United performance strategy
How to apply
Your application should include a covering letter (specific to the job description and no longer
than one A4 page) and CV outlining why you should be considered for the role. Please send
applications to vacancy@oufc.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday 1st July
2022.
All applicants must have the existing right to live and work in the UK.
Oxford United is an equal opportunities employer and all applicants for employment will be
regarded equally and will be given equal opportunities irrespective of sex, age, race, religion
or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment,
pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin.