Volunteer Play Coach

Save to Favorites

Position: Volunteer Play Coach Type: Volunteer Hours/Week: 2-4 Number of Positions: 10-20

Schedule: We ask that volunteers commit to at least one (1) two hour shift per week for the duration of at least one (1) school semester. Shifts take place between 10:00am and 6:00pm Mon-Friday at a consistent school site. See application for details.

About Playworks:

At Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid! Playworks is a national nonprofit organization that improves school climate, reduces bullying and increases student engagement in school through play and physical activity. Through both our training programs and our on-site direct service, Playworks teaches children to resolve their own conflicts that arise at recess and carry over to the classroom, restoring valuable teaching and learning time. We help transform recess into a safe, fun and inclusive time that gets students active and engaged so they can return to the classroom focused and ready to learn. Playworks Indiana currently serves schools in IPS and Washington Township. For more information, please visit www.playworks.org.

About the Position:

We are looking for dynamic individuals who are naturally motivated and possess clear and open communication skills to join our movement for play. You should be humorous and playful with an ability to set clear goals and follow through. You are patient, flexible and enjoy working with elementary school age children. You are comfortable working in a leadership role, possess creative problem solving tools and able to accept direction from our Coaches. As a Playworks Ambassador, you will mirror our core values of respect, inclusion, healthy play and healthy community.

Role: Assist the Playworks Program Coordinator (Coach) at an elementary school in creating a safe and inclusive playground and be a significant presence by organizing and playing games with 20+ students. Focus students’ attention on having fun, not on winning/losing. Encourage safe, healthy play and positive conflict resolution through role modeling and active participation. Volunteer Coaches may interact with students through recess or after-school sports leagues or assist with the Junior Coach Leadership Program (JCLP) depending on schedule.

Key Skills: Must love to play, lead activities with kids and have the ability to model positive behavior and display appropriate boundaries with youth. Actively engage students in teamwork, good sporting behavior and physical activity. Demonstrate ability to build rapport, trust and respect with students. Some youth work experience preferred. Must pass a criminal background check. Volunteers attend a 90min orientation prior to serving.

Available days/times: M-F between the hours of 10am and 6pm

Commitment: Minimum of one (1) school semester. (August-December/ January-June)

How to Apply:

Contact Mystica O’Connor at mystica.oconnor@playworks.org or call (317) 602 4771