Unified Sports High School Strength and Conditioning Coach

Pottsgrove School District•Pottstown, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pottsgrove Athletic Department is seeking a qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach for its Interscholastic Unified Sports High School program. This is a supplemental, 8-10 week position during the fall season, involving two practices per week and a minimum of three competitions. The team is co-ed, comprised of students in grades 9-12, including students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program aims to foster social inclusion and prepare athletes for events such as the bench press, dead lift, shuttle run, race walk relay, jump rope, and indoor cycling.

Requirements

Prior coaching or personal experience in strength training, powerlifting, or functional fitness.
Ability to obtain standard Pennsylvania coaching clearances (PA Act 34, Act 151, and FBI Fingerprinting).
NFHS Coach Education requirements (including Concussion in Sports and Sudden Cardiac Arrest).
Completion of (or willingness to complete) the free online NFHS Coaching Unified Sports course.
Required attendance at SOPA’s in-person Unified Strength and Conditioning training and the SOPA Unified Sports® training course.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with school administration, parents, and support staff.
Submission of pre-employment medical examination (Section 148 of the Pennsylvania School Code) via School Personnel Health Record form.
Submission of a report of criminal history record from the Pennsylvania State Police (Section 111 of the Pennsylvania School Code).
FBI Criminal History Record.
Submission of a clearance report from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in accordance with Act 151 of 1994 (Child abuse history).
Ability to reach above and below the waist.
Ability to use fingers to pick, feel and grasp objects.
Ability to lift and/or carry supplies and/or papers weighing no more than 20 lbs.
Ability to sit, walk, stand or move throughout the work environment, often with extended periods of the workday.
Ability to meet the demands of physical restraint as necessary.
Visual acuity.
Auditory acuity.
Must possess excellent interpersonal skills.
Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions.
Able to make judgments and work under high level of stress.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to organize tasks.
Ability to handle multiple tasks.
Ability to exercise good judgment.
Must possess leadership skills.
Must possess computer skills.
Ability to operate various office equipment.
Must maintain required Professional Development as per the Pennsylvania Department of Education and or National Board Certification.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is highly preferred.
A strong, demonstrated commitment to the principles of inclusion, equality, and the Special Olympics Unified Sports® mission.

Responsibilities

Design and lead 2 weekly practices that accommodate varying fitness levels, ensuring all participants (with and without disabilities) are meaningfully engaged.
Prepare the team for and manage them during a minimum of three regular-season meets, with the potential to manage postseason travel.
Ensure positive sportsmanship and compliance with Unified Sports® rules.
Train student-athletes in safe, proper technique across all official competition events: Strength (Bench Press, Dead Lift, Broad Jump, Jump Rope) and Cardio/Agility (Shuttle Run, Race Walk Relay, Indoor Cycling).
Manage, inventory, and securely store all team training equipment and uniforms.
Actively promote social inclusion, ensuring partners and athletes build strong, respectful relationships.
Oversee the collection and clearance of all required student paperwork, including PIAA physical examinations/parental consent and mandatory SOPA consent forms.
Assist athletic administration with gathering metrics for mid-term and year-end grant reporting.
Prioritize safety in weightlifting and cardio training, teaching proper lifting mechanics and progression to prevent injury.
Ensure all PIAA and Special Olympics PA safety standards are met.
Maintain and strictly adhere to the school district's teacher/chaperone-to-student ratio policies during all practices, home meets, and away travel.