Job Description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely

Job Posting End Date:

05-28-2026

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

This position is posted to fill up to 13 vacancies pending budget approval for fiscal year 2027.

Under the direction of the Director, Athletics and Activities, the Athletics and Activities Managers (AAM), and the assigned school principal, the Certified Athletic Trainer (AT) will lead and administer the athletic training program in their assigned high school, supporting student athletes across all sports. This includes the prevention, care, rehabilitation, education, and emergency management of injuries. The role will provide competitive and non-competitive season event coverage (e.g., games and practices). The AT and the AAM will coordinate event coverage with the AT and AAM of the opposing school during the competition season to ensure adequate coverage for both teams practicing and competing. The AT will oversee the athletic training facilities and equipment to ensure safe and sanitary conditions in compliance with county, state, and national guidelines. The AT will serve as a liaison between and establish effective communication and working relationships with coaches, school staff, student athletes, parents/guardians, physicians, and other community stakeholders. A secondary purpose includes coverage of other team events or practices within the athletic training staff structure and performing administrative duties to be assigned by the Director of Athletics and Activities and/or the AAM.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in athletic training from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited program.

Certification/Licensure:

Candidates must upload proof of all required certificates/licenses below.

• National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) Board of Certification.

• AED and CPR certification.

• Hold a current Maryland Board of Physicians Athletic Trainer’s License and Evaluation and Treatment Protocol with a Supervising Physician or obtain this license within 60 days of hire OR hold a current out-of-state Board of Physicians Athletic Trainer’s License and Evaluation and Treatment Protocol or be pending with a Supervising Physician.

Experience:

• One year of experience in athletic training in high school, collegiate, or professional sports.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Master’s degree in athletic training from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited program or three years of experience in athletic training in high school, collegiate, or professional sports.

• Experience managing multiple components of an athletic training program such as supervision of events and practices, injury prevention, and purchasing and maintaining supplies.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Oversees and supervises all aspects of the local school's athletic training program The CAT will provide game and practice coverage, daily treatments, injury prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries for all three athletic seasons and approved out-of-season activities. Maintains student medical records required for participation in athletics. Maintains and monitors coaching certifications required by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) and HCPSS.

• Determines individuals' readiness to participate. Communicates with the student athlete, athlete's family and staff regarding the student athlete's status. Effectively and regularly communicates with any external medical provider providing treatment to the injured athlete.

• Provides care and management of injuries and illnesses including prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation protocols. Provides rehabilitative care for injured student athletes. Coordinates care with the student athlete's parents, physicians, coaches, and school staff. Prevents, recognizes, evaluates, and provides immediate care, rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries/illness. Maintains all medical equipment.

• Maintains a clean and orderly Athletic Training office and manages the purchase and maintenance of athletic training supplies in order to provide appropriate athletic training support to coaches and athletes. Maintains all required injury and communication logs.

• Maintains and updates coaches’ education requirements regarding heat illness, sudden cardiac arrest, CPR, AED certification, and concussion management. Provides staff training in CPR/AED, and Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries as required by COMAR. Provides required training and continuing education at school and countywide meetings. Assists coaching staff in evaluating and implementing sport specific conditioning programs in and out of season.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

Knowledge

• Clinical Expertise: Deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to provide injury prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation protocols.

• Emergency Medicine: Mastery of immediate care techniques, including CPR/AED, heat illness protocols, concussion management, and sudden cardiac arrest response.

• Regulatory Compliance: Comprehensive knowledge of COMAR requirements, MPSSAA regulations, and HCPSS athletic policies.

• Educational Pedagogy: Understanding of adult learning principles to effectively lead staff training for the Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries course.

• Conditioning Principles: Knowledge of sport-specific strength and conditioning methodologies for both in-season and out-of-season programming.

Skills

• Clinical Application: Proficiency in manual therapy, taping, bracing, and the use of therapeutic modalities/equipment.

• Case Management: Skill in coordinating complex care plans between student-athletes, parents, physicians, and coaching staff.

• Administrative Oversight: Strong organizational skills to maintain student medical records, monitor coaching certifications, and manage equipment maintenance logs.

• Clear Communication: Ability to translate complex medical information into understandable terms for families and school staff.

• Instructional Delivery: Skill in facilitating professional development and continuing education sessions at the school and county levels.

Abilities

• Clinical Decision-Making: Ability to independently determine an athlete’s "readiness to participate" and make high-pressure "return-to-play" decisions.

• Crisis Management: Ability to remain calm and provide effective immediate care during acute athletic emergencies.

• Interpersonal Collaboration: Ability to build rapport and maintain professional relationships with external medical providers and various school stakeholders.

• Adaptability: Ability to manage a flexible schedule that covers three athletic seasons, including evenings, weekends, and out-of-season activities.

• Physical Stamina: Ability to provide hands-on treatments and move equipment across various athletic venues (fields, courts, etc.) in various weather conditions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Hours

The scheduled hours of work will be 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM including a one-hour duty free lunch. The AT must be available to work flexible schedules to cover evening or weekend practices and events. This position is exempt from overtime.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Supplemental Application Questions

This position requires applicants to provide responses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application.

1) Please upload proof of each required certificate/license below.

• National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) Board of Certification

• AED and CPR certification

2) Please identify the status of your Maryland or out-of-state Board of Physicians Athletic Trainer’s License and Evaluation and Treatment Protocol with a Supervising Physician. If you hold this currently, please identify the state and name of your supervising physician in addition to uploading proof of licensure.

3) Please describe any experience you possess managing multiple components of an athletic training program such as supervision of events and practices, injury prevention, and purchasing and maintaining supplies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 25 on the Technical Central Office and School Based salary scale, $87,820 - $138,433. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sandy Saval at sandy_saval@hcpss.org

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.