Volunteer

Adapted Athletics Intern Position Description

GENERAL PURPOSE: Aztec Recreation, through its affiliation with the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences offers upper division ENS internship opportunities for credit in the following courses: ENS 440, ENS 499, ENS 790, ENS 798. The internship allows students to learn about adaptive sports both in a lecture and applied recreation setting at Aztec Recreation (AR). The internship program is offered during fall and spring semesters. 

Under the direction of the Adapted Athletics Director, this undergraduate/graduate intern performs a variety of duties for the SDSU Adapted Athletics Program. The 3 major elements include: learning about the different adaptive sports, understanding each of the integral pieces of the SDSU Adapted Athletics program, and creating a project which illustrates their experience of their internship. A successful intern will have the ability to interact with student-athletes, other undergraduate/graduate interns, coaches, and the high performance staff. Additionally, the individual should have a positive attitude, follow directions, and be able to work well with deadlines to help achieve program objectives. This internship is a hybrid format starting online and transitioning to in-person. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Primary Functions May Include:

• Knows and represents the Adapted Athletics mission, vision and values
• Knows and implements the Adapted Athletics code of conduct
• Attends and participates in weekly meetings, team training sessions and program events as scheduled
• Demonstrates knowledge of processes, policies and procedures within events, training, marketing, and recruiting
• Demonstrates knowledge of the various departments and facilities of Adapted Athletics
• Understands the area and layout of the ARC and other Aztec Recreation facilities
• Explains and demonstrates basic skills in physical fitness and health education
• Learns about physical therapy, sports nutrition, and strength training shadowing, in addition to other positions within Adapted Athletics
• Learns about equipment maintenance and budgeting
• Researches major adaptive sports organizations and influential individuals in the industry as well as trends in the industry
• Required to complete agreed upon hours of internship work for course requirements
• Works with Adapted Athletics to advertise program (e.g. tabling, flyers, demos, etc.)
• Completes assignments for ENS 440 or other internship class including internship project
• Utilizes SDSU Email and Calendar
• Completes tasks as assigned/required

Customer Service and Collaboration 

• Provides a welcoming atmosphere that creates positive student experiences
• Maintains positive and effective working relationships with all athletes, staff, and students
• Informs supervisor of any issues in a timely manner

Safety 

• Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and athletes as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
• Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
• Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence
• Ensures completion of proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
• Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately
• Provides appropriate safety instruction and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safety
• Responds to emergencies according to established department procedures

MINIMUM & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education: 

• Must be currently enrolled at San Diego State University as a Kinesiology student, taking a minimum of 6 units and within 3 semesters of graduation
• Currently enrolled in one of the following internship academic classes: ENS 440, ENS 499, ENS 790, ENS 798

Experience:

• Desire to build a career as a personal trainer, coach, sports psychologist, physical therapist, athletic training, event planner, marketing coordinator, or other role in the sports/medical/adaptive industry
• Strong oral and written communication skills required
• Must possess excellent customer service skills
• Preferred experience with sports (volunteer, former/current athlete, coach of youth sports)
• Experience within the disability sports population preferred
• Knowledge of recreational & elite (Paralympic) training practices and principles preferred

License & Certification:

• Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED certifications are required

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Must be punctual and regular in attendance: arrive on time and ready for the workday
• Must meet commitments and complete tasks satisfactorily
• Must be able to work independently and stay focused under pressure in stressful situations
• Must work effectively with other employees/departments
• Must be accurate and pay attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills required
• Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow project through to completion
• Must be professional and courteous at all times
• Must be able to work well with different work styles
• Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative
• Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks, projects, and assignments within appropriate timelines

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to handle difficult situations involving participants with patience, good judgment, and with diplomacy is expected
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically
• Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
• Proficient computer skills required
• Ability to prioritize workload
• Ability to manage information flow
• Ability to develop positive working relationships

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time volunteer position.  Interns must be able to commit to 2-3 credits (90 or 135 hours) of internship hours during the semester, as required by the prospective internship Department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT   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 working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment with standard office equipment available and in a recreation environment with standard gym and audio equipment. Possible exposure to distracting/uncomfortable noise levels may require hearing protection to be worn when performing duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  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.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to:  walking, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, climbing, and working in confined space, lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying loads up to 50 pounds (unassisted) and 75 pounds (with assistance). Work may require standing and moving for extended periods. 

RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Adapted Athletics Director
• Reports to Program Assistant and Coaching Staff during absence of Director
• Further interactions may include full-time staff within Aztec Recreation, including, but not limited to Associate Executive Director, Associate Director, Fitness & Wellness Coordinator, Fitness & Wellness Supervisor, Assistant Director of Competitive Sports & Outdoor Programs, Competitive Sports Supervisors, Operations & Events Manager, Marketing Coordinator, photographer, and videographer.

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY:     Volunteer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position. Fingerprinting is required for all employee and volunteer positions that have direct contact with minor children and/or supervise other staff.