Disability Sport Coach, Men’s Wheelchair Basketball
Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)
College of Applied Health Sciences
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The College of Applied Health Sciences is accepting applications for a Disability Sport Coach, Men’s Wheelchair Basketball. The position of Disability Sport Coach, Men's Wheelchair Basketball in the Office of Campus Life, in collaboration with the Wheelchair Basketball Program staff, is responsible for organizing and directly all aspects of the men's wheelchair basketball program; organizing practice sessions to enhance the team's performance; developing and executing strategies for recruitment; and supporting teaching, research and the dissemination of knowledge pertaining to the wellness of persons with disabilities. The Disability Sport Coach will also adhere to the Code of Conduct for all DRES Wheelchair Athletic Employees.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Develop a season plan including pre/post season practices, in season practices, and the competition season schedule as well as implement team disciplinary action, as required; Formulate a successful philosophy to promote the educational welfare and sportsmanship of the student-athletes; provide one-on-one student-athlete academic check-in and weekly video sessions.
Develop and execute strategies for the recruitment and retainment of qualified student-athletes who can achieve academic and athletic success and assist student-athletes in realizing individual and team goals.
Assist in supervising campus life graduate students, student interns, managers, and volunteer staff.
Work in partnership with the women’s team head coach on the development of the curriculum for all wheelchair basketball camps and clinics.
Collaborate with the Coordinator of the Strength Training and Conditioning Program on the development of programs for the men’s basketball team.
Collaborate in the fitting, ordering, maintaining and updating of the campus life inventory of sports wheelchairs and related equipment.
Collaborate in the development and implementation of administrative policies and procedures and budget as directly related to adapted varsity athletics.
Collaborate in research conducted by UI faculty/researchers that relates to persons with disabilities.
Assist in working toward accomplishing the strategic plan of the university, college and division.
Create, plan and direct social media, public relations, marketing, and promotional materials designed to create and maintain a favorable public image for the adapted athletics program.
Serve as coordinator of all camps and clinics.
Collaborate with the adapted athletics staff to administer campus life special events which includes transporting wheelchairs and student-athletes via University vehicles to community demonstrations, school visits, fundraisers and other special events as scheduled throughout the year.
Qualifications
Required: A bachelor’s degree in leisure studies, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, exercise physiology, adapted physical education, sport management or a related field
Two years of experience in related professional endeavor, including experience in the development and/or administration of adapted athletics programming and/or coaching athletes with disabilities; including knowledge of the game of wheelchair basketball
Valid driver’s license
Preferred: Master’s Degree in leisure studies, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, exercise physiology, adapted physical education, sport management or a related field
Direct knowledge of NCAA, NWBA and IWBF rules and regulations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Required:
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong management skills
Productive team player
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students and the public within a diverse, multi-cultural, collaborative environment
Ability to prioritize effectively
Ability to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated organizational skills
Preferred:
Knowledge of and ability to follow University policies and procedures.
Knowledge of and skill in use of computers and software applications, specifically Microsoft Office, Photoshop and InDesign
Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate action to resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes
Salary and Appointment Information
This is a full-time (100%), 12-month Academic Professional appointment appointed on a 12-month basis. The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The minimum salary for this position is $55,000 with the final salary offer determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
The Disability Sport Coach, Men’s Wheelchair Basketball must be available for practices during early morning hours; travel multiple days of the week and on weekends during season.
Application Procedures and Deadline Information
Application materials (cover letter, resume, three professional references, and proof of vail driver’s license) must be received by April 15, 2024. Apply for this position using the “Apply Now” button in the job posting at http://jobs.illinois.edu. Applications not submitted through http://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact AHS HR at ahs-hr@illinois.edu.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon accepting a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.