Mental Performance Coach

Overview

Columbus Crew are seeking an experienced Mental Performance Coach with expertise in individual and group leadership development. The aim of this role is to enhance and sustain high performance and well-being for players and staff, both on and off the field across all levels of the organization. This is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact on the entire club.

Essential Functions

One Club

• Develop and define the club’s mental performance program with input and guidance from key stakeholders.
• Develop a program that facilitates collaboration and builds strong relationship across all areas of the club.
• Deliver a variety of effective programming, including group facilitation, 1:1 consults, educational seminars, and other services throughout the club.
• Provide feedback to key stakeholders in order to improve communication, teamwork, and leadership within the club.
• Provide insights into team dynamics that impact group functioning and chemistry.
• Provide educational opportunities to staff at the club that help to foster positive culture, team building, and growth.
• Support a positive team culture and environment across all areas of the club.
• Maintain appropriate records through Athlete Management System (AMS).

Mental Skills Coaching

• Provide individual based mental skills to all athletes through:

• Performing daily assessments regarding the social and emotional needs of athletes.
• Teaching athletes a range of mental skills and techniques, including goal setting, visualization, relaxation, acceptance, and committed action to enhance their performance and well-being.
• Developing strategies to manage anxiety, stress, and other performance-related emotions.
• Developing a cadence for meeting with injured athletes and those in return to play process to support and educate on mental skills to cope with injury and returning to the team.
• Assisting athletes in building confidence, focus, and motivation to reach their full potential.

Initial Mental Health Support

• Offer initial mental health support, including communicating with Director of Sports Science and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) when a referral is warranted, to athletes who may be dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, or other clinical mental health concerns.
• Refer athletes to outside mental health professionals when clinically indicated.
• Work under the supervision of the Director of Sports Science and CMO.

Crisis Intervention

• Be prepared to intervene in situations where athletes or teams are facing significant psychological distress or crises, such as performance slumps, burnout, or major setbacks.
• Report concerns directly to Director of Sports Science and the CMO.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion handling sensitive matter involving the Columbus Crew athletes and organization.
• The understanding and utilization of best practices within the field.
• Ability to manage multiple caseloads within the Columbus Crew organization.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and prioritize and complete tasks in a timely matter.
• Positive attitude and ability to remain calm during stressful or complicated situations.

Required Skills

• Licensed Mental Health provider; required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field; required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in providing mental health services within a sports environment including mental performance coaching, sports psychology, or leadership coaching; required.
• Current coaching certification or accreditation in sports psychology and mental performance, such as Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC); required.
• Maintain current licensure in the State of Ohio; required.
• Master’s degree in mental health related field; preferred.
• Ph.D. or equivalent in Sports Psychology or related field; preferred.
• Bilingual; preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed based on team schedules.