Teen Coach (High School) | Part-Time

Position Type: Part-Time (20 hours per week)

Location: Abraham Lincoln High School | 3201 Ryan Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136

Schedule: Monday through Friday (In-Person, afterschool hours) with occasional Saturday programming

Role Overview: The PLAE Teen Coach works directly with high school students (grades 9–12) to deliver an engaging, supportive, and structured afternoon environment during the Out-of-School Time (OST) program. Operating immediately following the school day until 5:30 PM, the Teen Coach facilitates hands-on, youth-driven enrichment, academic support, and post-secondary preparation under the guidance of the Site Coordinator. This role manages active daily student sign-outs, maintains positive communication with families and youth, and supports the personal, academic, and professional development of high school teens.

This position drives daily student engagement by directly leading curriculum activities—focusing on Literacy, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Mentorship, Post Secondary Readiness, and Sports—while upholding organizational policies, School District of Philadelphia standards, and Office of Strategic Partnerships requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

Direct Youth Engagement, Mentorship Training & Facilitation

•    Lead and facilitate dynamic, youth-driven activities, including Project-Based Learning, Sports, Financial Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and college/post-secondary readiness for high school students (grades 9–12).

•    Train, prepare, and coach high school students to serve as effective peer mentors for K–8 youth in the Propel program, guiding them on communication, leadership strategies, and role-model behaviors.

•    Support high school students with homework, academic tutoring, college/trade application assistance, and skill-building during designated study sessions.

•    Lead engaging recreational, wellness, and sports activities adapted for various indoor and outdoor seasonal conditions.

•    Maintain active visual supervision at all times to ensure the physical safety, mental well-being, and positive culture of all program spaces.

Peer Leadership & Youth Guidance

•    Model and cultivate a restorative, inclusive environment that encourages high school teens to develop accountability, self-advocacy, and emotional maturity.

•    Guide high school mentors as they navigate leadership dynamics, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and practice positive behavior reinforcement when working with younger Propel students.

•    Foster a safe, welcoming space that promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and community engagement.

Operations, Logistics & Health/Safety

•    Supervise daily meal/snack service, ensuring proper hygiene, food safety, and clean-up standards are maintained.

•    Coordinate smooth transitions between high school programming and peer-mentoring sessions at Propel K–8 sites, ensuring safe travel and movement across program areas.

•    Chaperone and assist in managing high school participants during campus visits, sports events, guest speaker sessions, and off-site field trips.

•    Enforce all organizational policies, School District of Philadelphia standards, Office of Strategic Partnerships mandates, and health/safety protocols across all spaces.

•    Assist the Site Coordinator with accurate daily student check-ins, attendance logs, and sign-out tracking.

Family, School & Community Engagement

•    Maintain open communication with parents, guardians, and youth regarding program updates, participation, attendance, and leadership milestones.

•    Support the setup, execution, and teen participation in monthly themed family events, college/sports showcases, and community service initiatives.

•    Act as a positive ambassador for the program when interacting with high school administrators, K–8 partner staff, teachers, and community partners.

Professionalism & Team Collaboration

•    Partner with the Site Coordinator to design engaging weekly lesson plans, prepare mentoring prep materials, and set up program spaces prior to student arrival.

•    Attend all mandatory core team meetings, site check-ins, and professional development workshops focused on adolescent development and youth leadership.

•    Keep open communication with the Site Coordinator regarding student progress, safety concerns, or resource needs.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Desired Skills:

Adolescent Coaching & Youth Leadership: Deep understanding of high school youth development, self-advocacy, and the ability to inspire, mentor, and guide teens toward academic and personal growth through enthusiastic, high-energy coaching.

Mentorship Preparation & Leadership Training: Ability to train, coach, and support high school students as they prepare to serve as active, approachable peer mentors for K–8 youth in the Propel program.

Academic Readiness & Physical Activity Facilitation: Capability in facilitating engaging workshops on Literacy, Financial Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), College Readiness, and Sports/Wellness. Physically active approach to directly participating in movement, sports, and team-building activities alongside students after school.

Restorative Conflict Resolution: Skill in modeling and facilitating restorative practices, helping high school youth navigate peer dynamics, resolve conflicts, and build accountability through supportive, active involvement.

Professional Communication & Ambassadorship: Outstanding communication skills to energize and engage teens, communicate with parents, and represent the program professionally to high school leadership and K–8 partner sites.

Logistics & Transition Management: Strong organizational ability and physical stamina to coordinate program schedules, manage transitions between high school spaces and K–8 mentoring sites, chaperone field trips, oversee active movement spaces, and maintain accurate attendance data.

Candidate Qualifications:

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of experience working directly with children and/or adolescents (experience in an afterschool, summer camp, or high school setting preferred). Strong familiarity with School District of Philadelphia environments, grant-funded youth programming, or community outreach preferred.

Proficiency with administrative systems, program data tracking, and payroll platforms (e.g., Rippling).

Required state and local background clearances for working with youth must be completed prior to hire.

Physical requirements: Ability to stand/walk for extended periods (e.g., during student supervision), lift up to 25–50 lbs (setting up equipment/supplies), bend, reach, and lead physical activities/sports.

Environmental conditions: Ability to work both indoors (classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria) and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Mandatory Clearances & Background Checks

PA State Police Criminal History Clearance

PA Child Abuse History Clearance

FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check

Mandated Reporter Training Certificate

PLAE is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.