Athletic Trainer

DEPARTMENT: Athletic Department
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt Staff with full benefits including dependent tuition waivers

Expectation and Condition of Employment – Howard Payne University, a church-related institution
affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, seeks to employ evangelical Christians who are
dedicated to teaching and service as they model the principles of the Christian faith and the University’s
sincere religious beliefs. Howard Payne University (hereafter, University) is committed to the integration of learning and Christian faith in the pursuit of truth. Employees are expected to embrace the Christian Mission Statement and
Core Values of the University and must support the University’s affirmation of traditional Christian and
Baptist beliefs by leading lives of service through active involvement in Christian activities both on
campus and through a local church.

Mission Statement – Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to
excellence by developing and equipping the whole person for intellectual inquiry, personal and
professional integrity, and service to God and humanity.
Core Values of Howard Payne University – Seeking to engage the life of the mind and the life of the
Spirit, Howard Payne University affirms that:
• God is the loving creator of all things and the author of all truth;
• Because God is the author of all truth, open inquiry is an act of intellect and of faith and is to be
wholly embraced;
• Because open inquiry is an act of intellect and of faith, such efforts must proceed from rigorous
academic standards and genuine commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;
• For open inquiry to contain rigorous academic standards and genuine Christian commitment,
there must be at all times a supportive learning environment that affirms human dignity for all as
created in the image of God; and
• Committing oneself to the teachings of Jesus will result in Christ-centered, God-honoring and
humanity-serving life choices characterized by honesty, integrity, healthy lifestyles and personal
responsibility.
As a condition of employment, employees agree to be paid by Direct Deposit.

Job Summary – Under the supervision of the Director of Athletic Training Services, the Athletic Trainer
evaluates physical condition, advises, and treats student-athletes to maintain maximum physical health
for participation in athletic competition. The Athletic Trainer also maintains medical records, athletic
insurance, and other medical paperwork required from the university’s athletes and support personnel.
The Athletic Trainer will also follow policies and procedures of the athletic department and perform the
following essential duties and responsibilities listed below:

Compliance with NCAA Rules and Regulations – An additional essential duty of all athletic trainers is to
comply with all NCAA and American Southwest Conference (ASC) regulations regarding athletic training and
best practices. The athletic trainers will also report any known NCAA/ASC violations to the appropriate
personnel at the University.

Supervisory Responsibilities – Serve as a clinical preceptor for the athletic training program working in
conjunction with the Director of Athletic Training Services, Clinical Education Coordinator, and the Director of
Athletic Training Program. This job supervises 15-25 student workers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  These duties may be performed personally or
through subordinate employees and athletic training students: Other duties may be assigned.
1. Plan and implement comprehensive athletic injury and illness prevention programs.
2. Instruct coaches, student-athletes, parents, medical personnel, and community members in the care
and prevention of athletic injuries.
3. Recommend special diets in order to optimize student-athlete performance.
4. Confer with coaches in order to select protective equipment.
5. Advise student-athletes on the proper use of equipment.
6. Provide medical coverage for all assigned athletic competitions home and away, practices, and events
for the university.
7. Conduct an initial assessment of a student-athlete’s injury or illness in order to provide emergency or
continued care, and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis
and treatment.
8. Care for athletic injuries using physical therapy equipment, techniques, and medication. Apply
protective or injury preventive devices such as tape, bandages, or braces to body parts.
9. Accompany injured student-athletes to the hospital when possible.
10. Evaluate student-athletes’ readiness to play, and provide participation clearances when necessary and
warranted.
11. Assess and report the progress of recovering student-athletes to Director of Athletic Training Services,
coaches, and physicians.
12. Collaborate with physicians in order to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs
for athletic injuries.
13. Supervise athletic training students.
14. Assist with the supervision of Student Assembly and Chapel, and the academic success of athletic
training students.
15. Follow Howard Payne University, NCAA, ASC policies and procedures directly related to athletic
training and best practices. Related to the care, safety, and overall welfare of the student-athletes
including but not limited to the prevention, management, evaluation, education, and treatment and
rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Follow policies and procedures of the athletic training department.

Competencies – To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
1. Modeling Christian Faith – Must be committed to modeling the Christian faith; displays a proven
record of modeling the Christian faith in business operations, management roles, customer service
functions, and interactions with others; is committed to continuing to model Christian faith in a
manner consistent with the University’s mission Statement and core values
2. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes
information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well problem solving as part of a group;
uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics
3. Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development
opportunities; strives to build knowledge and skills continuously; shares expertise with others
4. Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict without blaming others; consistently maintains
confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting them; keeps his or her emotions under control;
remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things
5. Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and
gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates effective group presentation skills;
participates actively in meetings
6. Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; edits his or her work for correct spelling
and grammar; varies his or her writing style as needed; presents numerical data effectively; is able to
read and interpret written information effectively
7. Teamwork – Balances the needs of the team and individual responsibilities effectively; exhibits
objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a
positive team spirit; puts the success of the team above his or her own interests; is able to build
morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed
8. Visionary Leadership – Displays passion and optimism; inspires respect and trust and
motivates others to perform well; mobilizes others to fulfill the University’s Mission Statement
while embracing the University’s Core Values; provides vision and inspiration to peers and
subordinates; exhibits self-confidence and confidence in others; influences actions and
opinions of others effectively; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others
9. Delegation – Delegates work assignments effectively; matches the responsibility to the
appropriate person; gives employees the authority to work independently; sets expectations and
monitors delegated activities; provides recognition for results
10. Managing People – Includes subordinate employees in planning, decision-making, facilitating
and process improvement; takes responsibility for subordinates’ activities; is available to staff;
provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates’ skills and encourages growth;
solicits and applies feedback (internal and external); fosters quality focus in others; improves
processes and services; continually works to improve supervisory skills
11. Ethics – Treats everyone with respect; keeps commitments; inspires others to trust him or her;
works with integrity and ethically; upholds the University’s Mission Statement and Core Values
12. University Support – Follows policies and procedures consistently; completes administrative tasks
correctly and on time; supports the University’s Mission Statement and Core Values; benefits the
University through external community and professional activities; supports affirmative action and
respects diversity
13. Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities effectively; uses time efficiently; plans for
additional resources if necessary; sets goals and objectives; organizes and schedules other people
and their tasks; develops realistic action plans
14. Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others
with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts personal responsibility
for his or her own actions; follows through with commitments
15. Safety and Security – Observes University safety and security policies and procedures; determines
appropriate actions beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and
materials properly
16. Dependability – Follows instructions; responds effectively to his or her supervisor’s direction; takes
responsibility for his or her own actions and keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when
necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate
plan

Minimum Qualifications – A Bachelor’s in athletic training or a related field from an accredited University.
A Master’s degree is preferred. The employee must be at least 21 years of age and maintain a valid
Texas driver’s license in order to drive any vehicle, including their personal vehicle,on behalf of the
University. Must be certified by the Board of Certification of the National Athletic Trainers Association
Board of Certification, and be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Must be
able to travel away from home at least 60% of the time with teams on out of town trips.

Application Procedure: To be considered for this position, please submit the following:
• a letter of application addressing in detail how you meet the position requirements
• a resume
• unofficial transcripts
• a completed HPU Employment Application (available at: www.hputx.edu/jobs) to:

Katrina Lynn
Director of Human Resources
Howard Payne University
1000 Fisk Avenue, Suite 210
Brownwood, TX 76801
E-mail: hr@hputx.edu