Youth Wheelchair Training Program Head Coach

About the role

New York Road Runners (NYRR) is one of the largest nonprofit providers of youth and community fitness programming in New York City. The Rising New York Road Runners Youth Wheelchair Training Program is a free program for youth with physical disabilities ages 6 to 21. The program offers weekly training sessions on a seasonal basis, in-school resources, and competitive events on the road and track, regardless of experience or prior NYRR affiliation. The Wheelchair Training Coach is responsible for planning and executing practices under the guidance of the other coaches and Adaptive Programming Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute age-appropriate practice plans that are aligned with Rising New York Road Runners standards for a team of youth wheelchair athletes (ages 6 – 21)
• Lead a team of youth wheelchair athletes (ages 6 – 21) through weekly practice sessions and during NYRR youth events
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of racing wheelchairs, and perform repairs as necessary
• Meet weekly with co-Coaches, Adaptive Programming Specialist, and Director of Youth Program Development regarding the direction of the program and logistics
• Proactively answer wheelchair racing related questions from athletes and their families, and provide feedback to athletes, as appropriate, during practice sessions

Requirements

• 5 years work experience as a wheelchair racing coach required
• Prior experience working with youth with physical disabilities in a coaching role
• Prior experience as a wheelchair racing athlete is a plus

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to differentiate and individualize workouts based upon the disability related needs of athletes
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse group of youth athletes with disabilities
• Knowledge of racer mechanics, and ability to adapt program chairs to the disability-related needs of athletes
• Ability to adapt practices based on feedback from athletes and their families, Adaptive Programming Specialist, and Director of Youth Program Development
• Provide general directions to NYRR staff during weekly practice sessions

Other Requirements

• Work in-person practices on Saturday mornings from late August to late October, and from mid-April to early June
• Work in-person weekend practice, or facilitate virtual practices from early January to mid-March
• Facilitate in-person or virtual sessions as needed outside of regularly scheduled programming
• First Aid and CPR/AED certification preferred
• Proficiency with use of Microsoft Office
• Represent NYRR in school, community and professional meetings and events as appropriate

Pay

$45 / hour