Upower Coach

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Upower is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that provides fitness, movement, and wellness programming to underserved teens across King County. Through a trauma-informed, youth-centered approach, Upower creates safe spaces where young people can build confidence, regulate emotions, develop healthy habits, and experience the joy of movement and play.

Upower partners with schools, affordable housing communities, substance recovery facilities, juvenile detention centers, and community organizations to serve youth who may have limited access to team sports, fitness opportunities, or wellness education. Our coaches build trusting relationships by valuing each young person’s identity, lived experience, and potential.

POSITION SUMMARY

Upower Coaches create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where youth of all backgrounds can experience the physical and emotional benefits of movement and play. Coaches plan and lead physically active classes that “meet youth where they’re at,” using Upower’s Positive Youth Development curriculum that is centered on the five pillars of trauma-informed practices: 1) Confidence, 2) Character, 3) Competence, 4) Connection, and 5) Caring.

Coaches work collaboratively with fellow coaches, volunteers, and site partners to deliver high-quality programming tailored to the unique needs of each site. This role requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a commitment to applying trauma-informed curriculum and strengths-based practices.

Work hours vary by site and season and include weekday afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends. Flexibility is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Service & Program Support

• Provide direct coaching and supervision to youth participants
• Create a positive, high-energy, and emotionally and physically safe environment
• Use encouragement and positive reinforcement as primary motivational tools
• Seize teachable moments to promote respect, integrity, self-confidence, and teamwork
• Serve as a positive role model, building trust and rapport with youth and community members
• Communicate effectively with Program Manager and Site partners to inform program curriculum and program model.
• Track daily participant attendance
• Participate in continued refinement of program implementation
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and site briefings
• Be flexible and available to coach at different Upower sites as program needs require
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to pass all required national, state, and county background checks
• At least 21 years of age (due to partner site and insurance requirements)
• Reliable transportation to program sites across King County
• Evening as late as 7pm
• Ability to adapt to the needs of different youth, sites, and group dynamics
• Strong communication skills and cultural competence
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in fitness, athletics, sports, or coaching
• Experience working directly with youth or in youth development settings
• Background or interest in psychology, mental health, social work, or education
• Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish or other languages strongly preferred)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $30/hour
• 15 - 20 hours per week
• Mileage reimbursement
• Annual professional development opportunities
• Ongoing training and coaching support

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

Diversity is a core value at Upower. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for youth, staff, and volunteers. We are a fair-chance employer and welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with justice-involved or incarceration histories. Upower is an equal opportunity employer.

People of color, women, individuals from underrepresented communities, and those with lived experience navigating the criminal legal system, including incarceration or other forms of system involvement, are strongly encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your relevant experience working with youth, athletics, fitness, or underserved communities.

Email application materials to: contactus@u-power.org