Youth Basketball Coach - Coach I

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges•Maplewood, NJ

About The Position

The South Mountain YMCA is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable coach to support and lead basketball programs for children of different ages and skill levels. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Youth Sports, the Coach I assists with and, when assigned, leads engaging, developmentally appropriate basketball instruction. Responsibilities may include supporting lead coaches, managing activities or groups, and independently facilitating assigned sessions based on program needs and demonstrated capability. The position supports introductory and evaluation-based programs and contributes to the growth of South Mountain YMCA Basketball. Coaches work with participants across multiple age groups and developmental stages, building instructional, practice-organization, group-management, and communication skills. The role offers opportunities to support experienced coaches and take on greater instructional responsibility as the program expands. This is a part-time, hourly position with weekday evening and weekend assignments. Programming generally takes place Monday through Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with possible additional evening hours, and on Saturday and Sunday between 9:00 AM and 7:30 PM. Weekend shifts may be approximately 4–8 hours, with breaks as scheduled. Actual schedules and weekly hours vary according to program offerings, enrollment, and seasonal needs. Weekend availability is strongly preferred. The salary is $17.75–$19.50.

Requirements

Ability to teach or demonstrate fundamental basketball skills and support structured, developmentally appropriate instruction for youth.
Ability to engage and manage groups of children while following the direction of a lead coach or basketball program leadership.
Strong organizational and instructional skills, including the ability to maintain an engaging pace, maximize active participation, and minimize unnecessary downtime.
Ability to adapt communication and instruction to different ages, abilities, skill levels, and learning styles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to positive, supportive experiences for players and families.
Ability to provide constructive feedback, reinforce clear expectations, and contribute to a structured, encouraging learning environment.
Dependability, punctuality, professionalism, and willingness to take initiative during assigned coaching responsibilities.
Willingness to learn and implement established basketball curriculum, instructional standards, and program-development objectives.
Ability to work collaboratively with lead coaches, basketball leadership, and other YMCA staff.
Availability for weekday evening and/or weekend programming, with flexibility to support extended weekend assignments when possible.
Commitment to the YMCA's mission, core values, inclusion standards, and youth safety policies.
Ability to successfully complete required background checks, child protection training, and YMCA-required certifications.
Ability to actively participate in basketball instruction and demonstrate fundamental movements, skills, and drills.
Ability to stand, walk, move throughout a gymnasium, and remain physically active for extended periods.
Ability to set up, move, and organize basketball equipment and program materials.
Ability to maintain appropriate visual and auditory supervision of participants in an active gymnasium environment.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience coaching, teaching, assisting with, or participating in organized basketball or comparable youth sports programs.
Experience working with children across multiple developmental stages, particularly ages 4–13.
Experience assisting with or leading youth sports activities, instructional classes, camps, or recreational programs.
Familiarity with organizing and facilitating youth recreational basketball leagues, practices, and game-day activities.
Interest in developing coaching skills and taking on additional instructional responsibilities over time.
Experience working in a YMCA, school, recreation department, camp, or comparable youth-development setting.
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

Assist with and, when assigned, lead age-appropriate basketball practices, instructional classes, and skill-development sessions.
Support lead coaches in managing group instruction, activities, transitions, and participant engagement; take responsibility for assigned drills, stations, or groups.
Organize activities and instruction to maximize active participation and minimize unnecessary waiting, standing in lines, and inactivity.
Prepare activities, facilitate efficient transitions, and maintain an engaging pace throughout sessions.
Teach and reinforce fundamental basketball skills, including ball handling, passing, shooting, footwork, defensive principles, and introductory team concepts.
Adapt instruction and communication for participants of varying ages, abilities, experience levels, and learning styles, emphasizing progressive development and individual improvement.
Implement the South Mountain YMCA Basketball curriculum and player-development philosophy, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and enjoyment.
Assist with and, when assigned, lead In-House Development League game-day activities, including player organization, game management, instructional coaching, and maintaining a positive competitive environment.
Communicate clearly and professionally with players, parents, and guardians; set expectations and provide constructive feedback.
Foster an inclusive, encouraging environment where participants feel valued, challenged, and motivated to improve.
Collaborate with lead coaches and program staff to maintain consistent instructional standards, efficient program delivery, and a positive participant experience.
Maintain a safe, organized, and well-supervised environment for participants.
Assist with attendance tracking, equipment organization, gym setup and breakdown, and other routine program responsibilities.
Work with basketball leadership and fellow coaches to evaluate instructional effectiveness, identify improvement opportunities, and support growth of youth basketball offerings.
Model the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Follow YMCA policies, procedures, and child safety standards.