To provide consistent coaching to the Australian Canoe Slalom Performance Pathways athletes with a focus on identified Junior athletes and assisting with the delivery of coaching to U23 athletes. To assist and collaborate with the NSW hub coach on delivering technical foundational skills to the National Development Squad (NDS) athletes and state level athletes. To support the development of talent identification in Western Sydney.
The role will encompass national performance pathways coaching duties both domestically and internationally and requires collaborative working with all Paddle Australia’s HUB coaches.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
Coaching
Provide direct coaching services and competition support to identified development athletes (both local and national) within a daily training environment in the National Centre of Excellence (NCE).
Under the technical direction of the Head Coach and National Pathways Coach, be the primary coach for Junior level and team athletes, both domestically and internationally.
Support the other National Pathways coach in the delivery of direct coaching to U23 identified athletes in Penrith.
Provide coaching support at national and international performance pathways camps/competitions and to National squads/teams.
Assist and collaborate with Paddle Australia hub coaches in building the necessary foundational skills to NDS athletes and state paddlers.
Program Development
Under the direction of the Head Coach - Slalom and National Pathways Coach, contribute to the design and delivery of the Performance Pathways Program in Penrith.
With the support of the National Pathways Coach and in collaboration with hub coaches when needed, develop and implement training programs focusing on the specific needs of Junior national team members and athletes with the aim of creating the foundational skills to thrive in the future.
With the support of the Performance Support staff and NCE and HUB coaches, contribute to creating a learning mindset within the athlete group.
Under the guidance of the National Pathways Coach, assist the NSW hub coach with the transition of paddlers from State Squad through to National Development Squad to Junior National Team.
Under the guidance of the National Pathways Coach and Head Coach, assist the NSW hub coach develop an effective Talent Identification (TID) recruitment process in Western Sydney.
Increase the number of Canoe Slalom paddlers who transition from the State Squad to the National Development Squad, ultimately progressing to the Junior National Team.
Build strong working relationships with the Penrith Whitewater Stadium to implement and grow an effective TID recruitment process within the Western Sydney Region.
Educate parents and the community about Canoe Slalom to foster an understanding of the development and transition journey into the Performance Pathways Program.
Engage with and maintain effective communication and collaboration with PA High Performance and Performance Pathways staff, National and State Coaches.
Contribute towards developing opportunities and resources that contribute to an athlete’s ability to successfully transition through the different stages of the Performance Pathways.
KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
Minimum Level 2 (Talent) Coaching Accreditation or equivalent. Working with Children Clearance in all relevant states, or the ability to obtain one prior to employment.
Experience/Skill Level Required
A minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role or equivalent.
Strong technical knowledge of the sport of Canoe Slalom.
Demonstrated coaching experience at a junior and State level.
Skills to engage athletes and parents in the athletes’ long term sevelopment focusing on developing the skills to thrive as a person and as an athlete at a senior level.
Devising and executing a long term training and competition plan to guide development of athletes for peak performance at benchmark events.
Work within state and/or Performance Pathways Daily Performance Environments (DPE), to develop emerging and Junior level athletes into international performers.
Working within a performance team to actively contribute to performance and life skill improvements with athletes.
Aptitude & Interpersonal Skills
Uphold and support Paddle Australia’s core values of:
Collaboration - working respectfully together for improved outcomes.
Inclusiveness - ensuring safe places, fair play and embracing diversity.
Transparency - building consensus through open engagement.
Excellence - striving at all times to deliver our best.
A willingness to learn, adapt and bring new ideas with the goal of continuing to improve.
Strong organisational, planning, multi-tasking and prioritisation skills to achieve deadlines.
Committed towards undertaking duties efficiently with a high attention to detail.
Ability to lead, drive and manage change through influence rather than authority.
Strong professional communication (both verbal and written), negotiation and interpersonal skills.
Strong ability to transfer information, skills and knowledge to other staff members.
Ability to promote, interpret, communicate and work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Capacity to establish and maintain the trust and respect of the internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to understand, respond to the requirements and be empathic to elite athletes and coaches.
Strong judgement and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work well both within a team environment and autonomously.
Takes independent action where required and shows initiative when undertaking tasks.
Solves problems without being asked to do so.
Professional personal presentation suitable for the position.
Awareness of and ability to work in accordance with the PA’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.
