Job Summary
Join our dynamic team as an Accessible Hockey Coach for Volt Hockey in Central Alberta, where your passion for sport and commitment to inclusivity will inspire athletes of all abilities. Volt Hockey is an inclusive and accessible team sport designed for individuals with physical disabilities and mobility limitations. Players use specially designed, battery-operated sport chairs controlled by a joystick and played on an indoor gymnasium floor.
Volt Hockey provides participants with the opportunity to develop sport skills, experience meaningful team participation, build confidence and friendships, and enjoy the excitement of competitive and recreational sport.
The Role:
The Volt Hockey Coach/Facilitator will be responsible for creating a safe, welcoming and engaging environment where children, youth and adults with disabilities can develop their skills and participate fully in the sport.
The successful candidate will plan and lead practices, support player development, facilitate games and introductory opportunities, and work collaboratively with the other Volt Hockey coaches across Alberta, staff and volunteers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and lead weekly Volt Hockey practices, skill-development activities and gameplay.
- Teach participants the rules, strategies and skills of Volt Hockey.
- Support athletes of varying ages, abilities and levels of experience.
- Create a positive, inclusive and encouraging environment for participants and their families.
- Learn the operation of the specialized electric Volt Hockey chairs and ensure they are used safely.
- Assist with the care, charging, cleaning and basic maintenance of Volt chairs and equipment.
- Facilitate community Try-It Days, demonstrations and other Volt Hockey events.
- Work cooperatively with volunteers to deliver programming.
- Track participant attendance and progress.
- Communicate with participants and families as required.
- Assist with participant recruitment and community awareness of Volt Hockey.
- Participate in virtual meetings with Variety Alberta’s Volt Hockey coaching team.
- Move the sport equipment from storage to gym; set up the sport chairs, game area and return equipment following sessions.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience in coaching, sport programming, recreation or a related role.
- Ability to coach and engage participants ranging from approximately age 6 through adulthood.
- Strong communication, organization and leadership skills.
- Ability to adapt activities and coaching approaches to meet different participant needs and abilities.
- An understanding of competitive sport, athlete development and team development.
- Experience or knowledge of adaptive or parasport is an asset.
- An understanding of disability and experience working with individuals with disabilities is considered a strong asset.
- First Aid/CPR certification is an asset.
- A dependable, reliable and flexible approach to work.
- Physical ability to assist with moving Volt chairs and setting up borders, nets and other program equipment.
Mandatory Screening Requirements
As this position involves working directly with children, youth and individuals with disabilities, the successful candidate must provide, prior to employment:
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
**These checks are mandatory conditions of employment.
About Variety Alberta
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta works to create inclusive opportunities for children and youth with specialized needs. Through programs such as Volt Hockey, we work to remove barriers to participation and create opportunities for children and youth to experience sport, recreation, independence and belonging.
Pay: $27.00-$30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
