Title: Junior Coach-Peer Mentor

Reports to: Manager of Middle Years Program

Status: Seasonal

Job Description

I. Organization Overview

Philadelphia Youth Basketball, Inc. (PYB), officially launched in June of 2015, is a community-built youth development and community empowerment organization that leverages the iconic game of basketball to help today’s urban youth overcome the most urgent and systemic issues facing underserved communities. A diverse and impassioned group of individuals, including leaders from the grass-roots to the tree-tops, have been working diligently to execute this mission by building an impactful program, a robust and sustainable organization, and ultimately our world-class Sixth Man Center to help uplift thousands of children, youth, and families for generations to come. 

PYB aims to instill six key tenets of its community agreement principles from top to bottom across its organization and young people:

• Safe Space - It is our responsibility to create a judgment-free environment where everyone feels welcome.
• Trust - We deeply believe in each other and will work to form positive relationships.
• Respect - We will honor each individual and treat everyone with a high level of respect. We strive to treat others how they want to be treated and ask for the same in return.
• Integrity - We strive to create an environment where honesty and equity are valued and we have a responsibility to restore relationships when necessary. 
• Care - We strive to be empathetic in protecting the health and welfare of each other and our space. 
• Teamwork - We find strength in our peers and strive to create an environment that honors all of our roles on a team.

As the cornerstone of our program, coach-mentors play a vital role in our mission-driven initiatives. PYB is seeking Junior Coach-Peer Mentors to lead and enrich its Lace Up and Learn Up (LULU) Summer Camp Series with adept leadership, coaching, mentorship, both on and off the court. The upcoming Summer Camp Series, designed for boys and girls entering grades 3-8 in the Greater Philadelphia Region, will run from July to August at the Sixth Man Center. Each full-day camp featuring basketball skill development, academic enrichment, positive coaching, mentorship, and nutritious meals. This hands-on leadership opportunity provides youth with a chance to gain valuable work experience, professional skills, and work with children in their community. Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders through sports and education.

II. Core Work Scope & Responsibilities

Reporting directly to PYB’s Manager of Middle Years Programs, Junior Coach-Peer Mentors will be responsible for, but not limited to the following:

• Assist PYB coach-mentors with facilitating programming for middle school-aged boys and girls through a variety of basketball skill-development exercises and stations
• Embed the PYB Way Culture into every aspect of the camp experience
• Hold young people accountable for their words, actions, and behavior
• Provide near-peer mentorship, guidance and feedback to young people throughout the duration of camp
• Attend and actively participate in a 30-45 minute weekly staff meeting
• Adhere to health and safety protocols
• Serve as a positive role model to the players, parents, and PYB’s community 

III. Desired Competencies and Dispositions

• General understanding of the game of basketball
• Commitment to positive coaching and near-peer mentorship
• A genuine comfort level with diverse communities
• Interest in youth development and community empowerment
• Strong work ethic and ability to be self-motivated
• Punctuality and dependability - arriving late and unexcused absences will not be permitted
• Ability to drive or arrange for your own transportation to your assigned site
• Ability to commit to the full LULU season 

IV. Training

Staff should be available the weeks of June 17th and June 24th, PYB will host a series of training sessions. Attendance is mandatory.

All summer staff members must possess or obtain necessary state and federal clearances prior to engaging in any hands-on activities with young people participating in Philadelphia Youth Basketball programs.

V. Compensation

This position will include wages of $12 - $15/hour commensurate with experience for up to 30-35 hours/week for 6-8 weeks beginning in July of 2024. Camp begins July 8 and runs through August 16, 2024. This is a seasonal position. 

VI. To apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to early-applicants. Applicants should submit a cover note and resume to the attention of:

Philadelphia Youth Basketball, Inc. 

Office of Human Resources 

employment@phillyyouthbasketball.org

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Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and providing equal opportunities and access to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. Women, non-binary and transgender individuals, people of color, Indigenous people, and those with other or multiple historically marginalized and/or underrepresented identities are especially encouraged to apply.