Lead Academy Sport Psychologist

Job title

Lead Academy Sport Psychologist

Location

Portsmouth (including multiple training venues across the city)

Hours of work

25 hours/week

Department

Academy

Reports to

Academy Manager

Renumeration

£20,280 per annum

Purpose of the role

The Lead Academy Sport Psychologist will lead, coordinate and develop the academy psychology provision for U13-U18 players. The role will shape the direction of the psychology department in line with the academy's Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, the Portsmouth blueprint and wider academy priorities.

The post holder will deliver individual, group and team-based psychological support, embed psychological principles within the coaching and player development programme, and contribute to MDT and wellbeing discussions where psychological input is required.

The role will provide line management and work collaboratively with the Academy Sport Psychologist responsible for U9-U12 provision to ensure a consistent academy-wide approach. The post holder will also provide supervision and appraisal of psychology staff within the department.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and department direction

• Lead academy psychology provision across the U13-U18 programme.
• Shape the direction of the psychology department in line with the ACT framework, Portsmouth blueprint and academy performance plan.
• Embed psychological principles within coaching, player development, MDT practice and the daily training environment.
• Work with the Academy Manager and Head of Coaching to align psychology delivery with the coaching curriculum.

U13-U18 delivery and player support

• Deliver individual, group and team-based psychological support for U13-U18 players.
• Provide phase-specific support across the Youth Development and Professional Development Phases.
• Support priority players with performance, transition, injury, wellbeing and/or academy-to-senior progression needs.
• Provide psychological input to coaches and MDT staff to support individual player plans.
• Provide psychological support to parents, enhancing their understanding of the psychology framework and academy journey.

Collaboration and pathway alignment

• Work collaboratively with the Academy Sport Psychologist responsible for U9-U12 provision.
• Ensure consistency, continuity and clear progression across the academy psychology pathway.
• Support shared planning, transition information and consistent application of the ACT framework.
• Contribute to academy wellbeing discussions and support complex cases where required.

Line management and staff development

• Line manage, supervise and support academy psychology staff.
• Support professional development and ensure appropriate supervision, documentation and accountability.
  

Governance and professional standards

• Ensure psychology provision is planned, recorded and reviewed in line with safeguarding, confidentiality and professional standards.
• Maintain accurate case notes, reports and departmental records.
• Follow Club policies and procedures to safeguard all academy players.

Additional responsibilities

• Support academy events, parent education, coach education, player reviews and MDT meetings as required.
• Contribute to department planning, service review and continuous improvement.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as reasonably requested by management.
• Appraise staffing performance through regular review, feedback and agreed objectives.