Adaptive Program Climbing Coach | PT

The Why:

Mesa Rim’s vision is to improve the quality of life of our community. We believe climbing can be transformative and we're driven to inspire lifelong climbers who seek learning, self-growth, and connection with the community. Adaptive Program Coaches bring this to life by fostering a passion for climbing in adaptive athletes and cultivating an inclusive, educational, and motivational practice environment.

The How: 

As Coach for the Adaptive Program, you are passionate about supporting others in their climbing journey. You have a variety of coaching experience and understand that climbing progression is a process. You are patient, encouraging, and compassionate and apply these attributes to create a welcoming practice environment. You thrive in both individual and group coaching settings by providing individualized attention and group-leadership. As an Adaptive Program Coach, you consistently demonstrate professionalism and are eager to continue developing your coaching skills. 

The What: 

Instructional and Operational Excellence: Adaptive Program Coaches are responsible for coaching adaptive athletes in accordance with Mesa Rim protocols. 

• Execute training programs for athletes as directed by supervisor
• Coach in accordance with the Mesa Rim Coaching and Training Philosophies
• Teach ethics and good sportsmanship using Youth Program Baseline Knowledge, Standards of Excellence, and Mesa Rim Core Values
• Build rapport and trust with athletes, motivating them and encouraging their progress
• Teach and reinforce safety and injury-prevention protocols with athletes
• Work with athletes to build individual goals and measurements of success that support them on and off the wall
• Utilize age and ability-appropriate training, monitoring athletes’ progress and adapting curriculum as needed
• Oversee a small group of athletes during each practice, managing time and group dynamic effectively

Coaching Presence Excellence: Adaptive Program Coaches are responsible for demonstrating professionalism and upholding coaching standards.  

• Deliver remarkable customer service to participants and parents, effectively tailoring communication to meet the needs of the customer
• Serve as a Mesa Rim cultural example, consistently demonstrating and holding others accountable to Mesa Rim Core Values
• Solicit feedback and strive to grow as a coach
• Possess knowledge of all gym offerings (climbing, yoga, fitness, proshop, setting, youth programs, etc.) and share this knowledge with athletes and other facility guests
• Contribute to growth and retention of Adaptive Team by communicating effectively with athletes, parents/guardians as needed, and the general public regarding programs on behalf of Mesa Rim

 In addition to the essential functions listed above, Adaptive Coaches may be assigned one of the following areas of emphasis.

• ASL Specialty: Regularly coach in American Sign Language to climbers from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in accordance with the Mesa Rim Coaching and Training Philosophies
• Neurodivergent Specialty: Regularly coach children on varying areas of the autism spectrum, or with neurological conditions; coach in accordance with Mesa Rim Coaching and Training Philosophies and demonstrate familiarity with various language and techniques used to navigate autism behavior  
• Physical Disability Specialty: Regularly coach climbers with a range of physical disabilities, having a sound understanding of appropriate adaptive tools and how to utilize them.

Must-Haves:

• Must be at least 18 years of age 
• Must have High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must contribute to Mesa Rim Climbing Center culture
• Must have ability to seek and accept, as well as give, critical feedback in a professional manner
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude and be a team player
• Must have at least one year of coaching experience
• Must have at least one year of climbing experience
• Must enjoy working with youth and adults
• Must possess basic knowledge of climbing technique and training
• Must be proficient in climbing and general fitness training practices and philosophies
• Must demonstrate strong communication skills
• Must have a drive to grow professionally 
• Must be able to work in an organized and transparent manner 
• Must pass criminal and sex offender background check
• Basic knowledge of disability etiquette

Nice-to-Haves:

• Previous experience working with the adaptive community 
• Previous experience working with children with autism
• Current First Aid & CPR Certification 
• Familiarity with basic kinesiology
• Experience using a wheelchair harness system
• Experience with prosthetic devices
• Fluent in ASL
• Comfortability with rope access, anchor building, haul systems, mechanical advantage

Get Stoked For Access To:

• Being part of an amazing team and company culture that focuses on personal and professional growth, authentic communication, and genuine care for one another 
• Mesa Rim membership, access to Mesa Rim classes, pro-deals, and Pro Shop discounts
• Access to professional development opportunities and an Employee Assistance Program

• A competitive benefits package, including employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan with employer-match, as well as a robust Paid Time Off package once employed full-time

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit in a harness, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; utilize manual dexterity to handle or feel; use both hands at the same time; reach overhead with arms; walk up and down stairs, and grip with hands; walk on hard/soft and even/uneven surfaces; use a computer; talk, yell and hear. The employee may frequently be required to do physical work lifting and/or moving up to 25-50 pounds, and occasionally lifting and/or moving between 50 and 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to loud noise, airborne particles, dry conditions (non-weather), and occasionally exposed to falling objects, trip hazards, risk of moving mechanical parts, mechanical burn and bodily fluid.