The Youth Development Coach serves as the program lead, facilitator, and instructor for the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth Development programs, with an emphasis on the PreK-2 Youth Development Program. This position is responsible for the day-to-day delivery and quality of the program, ensuring young participants receive a positive, engaging, age-appropriate introduction to sport and Club athletics. The Youth Development Coach develops engaging activities and practice plans, establishes age-appropriate skill development goals while assisting in supporting and developing volunteer coaches, communicating with families, and coordinating program schedules and activities. The position may coach practices or activities as needed to ensure program consistency, support staffing needs, or provide additional support to volunteer coaches.
KEY ROLES
(Essential Job Responsibilities): Youth Development Program Leadership Serve as the program lead for on-field instruction and overall program quality. Serve as the program lead, facilitator, and instructor within athletic programs, with an emphasis on Youth Development programming. Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the PreK-2 Youth Development Program. Ensure the program provides a positive, engaging introduction to the sport and Club athletics. Ensure activities are age-appropriate, safe, inclusive, and conducted in a positive environment. Regularly evaluate the Youth Development Program and identify opportunities to improve the participant, coach, and parent experience. Skill Development & Practice Planning Establish age-appropriate skill development goals for participants. Ensure activities progressively introduce participants to the fundamentals of the sport. Develop fun, age-appropriate, and engaging practice plans and activities. Create activities that introduce fundamental skills while keeping participants active and excited to participate. Provide practice plans and activity ideas that can be effectively implemented by volunteer coaches. Adapt activities and instruction based on the developmental needs of participants. Volunteer Coach Support Serve as the primary resource for Youth Development volunteer coaches. Provide practice plans, activity ideas, coaching guidance, and ongoing support. Support volunteer coaches in delivering consistent, positive, and developmentally appropriate programming. Observe volunteer coaches and provide feedback and support to improve program delivery. Help coaches understand program expectations, activities, skill development goals, and appropriate instruction for young participants. Coaching & Instruction Coach practices or activities when needed to: Ensure program consistency. Cover staffing needs. Provide additional support to volunteer coaches. Provide age-appropriate instruction and direction during Youth Development activities. Model positive coaching, sportsmanship, teamwork, and appropriate behavior. Help create an environment where participants are consistently active, engaged, learning, and having fun. Parent & Family Communication Assist Athletic Operations Specialist and Senior Athletics Director with communications with parents regarding Youth Development programming. Assist Athletic Operations Specialist and Senior Athletics Director in communicating program schedules, expectations, activities, changes, and updates with families. Respond to general program questions and provide clear information regarding Youth Development activities. Maintain clear and consistent communication with families throughout the program. Program Scheduling & Coordination Work with Senior Director of Athletics to coordinate and communicate Youth Development program schedules and activities. Communicate program expectations, updates, and upcoming activities to coaches and families. Work with the Senior Director of Athletics to ensure program activities are properly scheduled and supported. Assist with coordinating program needs to ensure activities are delivered as planned. Manage inventory of uniforms and equipment for all youth development programs. Program Quality & Safety Monitor the quality and consistency of Youth Development programming. Ensure activities are appropriate for the age and developmental level of participants. Promote a safe, positive, inclusive, and engaging environment. Follow Boys & Girls Clubs, Athletics, and youth development policies and expectations. Communicate significant participant, coach, safety, or program concerns to the Senior Director of Athletics.
RELATIONSHIPS
Internal:
Maintain close, daily contact with Club staff (professional and volunteer), Club members, and supervisor to receive/provide information, discuss issues, explain or interpret guidelines/instructions; instruct, and advise/counsel.
External:
Maintain contact as needed with external community groups, schools, member's parents and others to assist in resolving problems.
QUALIFICATOINS/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
Experience working with young children, preferably in youth sports, recreation, education, or youth development. Experience coaching or leading youth activities preferred. Ability to create fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively with volunteer coaches and families. Positive, energetic, patient, and encouraging approach when working with young children. Ability to provide constructive feedback and support to volunteer coaches. Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and positive youth experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time, often for the majority of a work shift (up to 10 hours). Ability to move quickly and efficiently in both open and restricted or confined spaces. Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and crouching may be required. Must be able to maintain balance and physical stability while moving in tight or crowded environments. Visual and auditory ability to observe members' behavior, monitor group dynamics, and respond to potential safety concerns or behavioral issues in real time. Occasional lifting and carrying of materials or equipment up to 50 lbs. Fine motor skills and manual dexterity sufficient for operating tools, equipment, or controls as needed. Ability to adapt to physical and sensory demands in a fast-paced, high-mobility environment involving young children. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions; duties are performed throughout the Club. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, the noise level in the work environment will fluctuate from moderate to high.
DISCLAIMER
The job description in no way states or implies these are the only duties to be performed by the Youth Development Coordinator. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.
IMPORTANT TO US
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Pay:
From $15.00 per hour Expected hours: 15.0 - 25.0 per week Application Question(s): Are you available to work evenings and weekends as needed for youth programs and activities?
Experience:
working with children: 1 year (Preferred) coaching, teaching or leading youth activities: 1 year (Preferred)