Youth Program Coach

Playworks; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 30,141 - 38,407; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid vacation during school breaks

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Playworks is seeking a Youth Program Coach in California, responsible for leading games and supporting positive behavior in elementary schools. This engaging outdoor role emphasizes teamwork and mentorship of students through hands-on activities. The position offers a full-time commitment with a salary of $21.88–$27.88 per hour, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. Coaches will play an integral role in creating a fun recess environment and developing skills such as conflict resolution among students.

Qualifications

• Reliable transportation to assigned school(s) required.
• Physical activity is essential; be active outdoors every day.
• Successful completion of a TB test and CPR/First Aid cert is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead games and activities during recess to ensure positive student experiences.
• Teach various games to promote cooperation and fair play among students.
• Guide the Junior Coach Leadership Program, mentoring 4th- and 5th-graders.

Skills

Experience working with youth

Leadership skills

Conflict resolution

Job description

Overview

Playworks Youth Program Coach

CA
Now hiring for the 2026-27 school year!

Position: Full-time, 40 hours per week, $21.88–$27.88 per hour. Locations: San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond, San Lorenzo, San Mateo, Sunnyvale, San Jose, CA.

Summary: Playworks coaches work at elementary schools, leading games, supporting positive behavior, and helping create a fun and inclusive recess environment. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you’ll build relationships with students and help them develop teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.

About Playworks: Playworks believes in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

What We Offer

• Full-time position, 40 hours per week, at $21.88–$27.88 per hour.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, HSA, disability, life insurance, and employee-funded pre-tax health and childcare spending accounts.
• Paid vacation for all school breaks during the school year (5+ weeks).
• Room for career growth within our organization.
• Professional development and networking opportunities to enhance skills and advance your career.
• This is a full school-year commitment, August 2026–June 2027, with the option to return the following year.

Responsibilities

• Recess: Create a fun recess for all students by organizing and leading games and activities. Be a role model and actively participate in the games to ensure every child has a positive experience.
• Class Game Time: Teach students a variety of games to play during recess, promoting physical activity, cooperation, and fair play. Help students build confidence and develop skills for playtime.
• Junior Coach Leadership Program: Lead a youth leadership program for 4th- and 5th-graders, training them to become coaches like you. Guide and mentor the Junior Coaches as they assist in managing games during recess. Through this program, students develop conflict resolution and leadership skills.
• Sports Clubs: Coach a non-competitive sports team of 4th and 5th graders, fostering enjoyment, skill development, and teamwork.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining communication with Playworks staff, school staff, teachers, and families; organizing and managing paperwork; and attending regular training sessions provided by Playworks.

Positions Available

We are hiring for two coaching positions based on experience and fit:

• Program Coordinator ($21.88–$24.28/hr)
• • Coach at one partner school full-time, leading recess, class game times, Junior Coaches, and Sports Clubs.

• Site Specialist ($25.05–$27.88/hr)
• • Coach at two partner schools, alternating between schools on a weekly schedule, leading recess, class game times, Junior Coaches, and Sports Clubs. In addition, work with school staff to build sustainable recess systems.

Note: You can indicate your interest in your preferred position during the application process.

Requirements

• We provide comprehensive training. Experience working with youth is a plus.
• Candidates must pass a National Sex Offender Public Registry, State criminal check, and FBI background check.
• Successful completion of a TB test and CPR/First Aid certification upon hire (offered by Playworks).
• Reliable transportation to reach your assigned school(s) is required.
• This is a physically active, outdoor role. You’ll be on your feet, leading games, and playing with students every day.

Equal Opportunity: Playworks is an equal opportunity program and encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Applications are evaluated on merit.