Physical Therapist (Development) - Seattle Sounders FC at Seattle Sounders

TITLE: Physical Therapist (Development) CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC DEPARTMENT: Defiance & Academy Player Medical REPORTS TO: Head of Physical Therapy TYPE: Full-time Regular FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Salary DEADLINE TO APPLY: April 19, 2026 OUR CLUB Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup, 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, and 2025 Leagues Cup on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer. POSITION SUMMARY The Physical Therapist will be primarily responsible for managing the health care, injury rehabilitation, injury prevention, performance enhancement, and biomechanics development for all Sounders FC development players in coordination with other development team medical providers, under the direction of the Head of Physical Therapy. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of the Head of Physical Therapy: • Provide medical assistance in managing the health care of all development players (i.e. rehabilitation, prevention, making medical referrals etc.). • Perform functional, physiological, and biomechanical screens and design individual, detailed and evidenced-based plans of care for all players. • Execute pre-season screening/testing for player specific injury risk mitigation strategies and biomechanics improvements. • Perform continuous player testing, measurements, and evaluations to aid in developing/revising specific treatment and rehabilitation programs, as well as achieving individualized key performance indicators. • Assist development medical and performance staff in designing and implementing and executing short and long-term rehab plans. • Deliver daily activation series for development players prior to training/games, and rehab sessions. • Manage Physical Therapy Interns when assigned to the Development space. • Assist Performance staff in the supervision and execution of gym programs for development players. • Administer appropriate treatment (i.e., manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, passive modalities, return to sport testing, etc.) as devised through the rehabilitation plan. • Collaborate with development coaches and front office management to create development player ranking and asset outlook for long term development planning and enhancement based on specific performance improvements. • Create and enhance a top-down approach from the first team throughout the entire development program, replicating first team practices and philosophies to better prepare our young players for the jump in physical demands as they progress through the program. • Consult with CMO and other relevant Medical Physicians to provide the best level of care for players, in conjunction with Head Physical Therapist. • Design and implement post-surgical care, treatment, and rehabilitation for all development players. • Provide medical assistance to the Defiance Head Athletic Trainer and Academy Head Athletic Trainer. • Collaborate closely with athletic trainers, massage therapist, chiropractors, acupuncturists, performance specialists, and nutritionist to perform daily departmental tasks. • Communicate appropriately with colleagues in providing athlete medical and performance care within their respective job responsibilities. • Work with Athletic Trainers in documenting all medical treatments and interventions. • Keep athletic training room and clinic area safe, clean, and organized. • Travel with players to appointments and surgeries when instructed by Head Physical Therapist. • Work with Defiance Head Athletic Trainer and Academy Head Athletic Trainer on a daily basis to manage the continued health and development of all development players. • Communicate with all Development medical staff (Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists) and performance staff assisting in the care of Tacoma Defiance and Academy players. • Assist in miscellaneous tasks such as supporting Athletic Trainers during training, hydration intake, dietary consumption, and operational daily tasks of the medical training room. • Comply with all MLS/MLS Next Pro/MLS Next medical policies and protocol. • Comply with OSHA Standards with regards to blood borne pathogens. • Perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS • Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (DPT) from an accredited institution. • Passed the National Physical Therapy Exam. • 1+ years of experience in a sports environment at an elite level. Medical soccer experience preferred. ...