The Sports Performance Coach (SPC) is responsible for designing and implementing training programs for individual athletes and groups across all levels (youth, junior high, high school, collegiate, adult, and elite). Working with both school districts and St. Luke’s Sports Performance facilities, the SPC helps participants develop skills, knowledge, and techniques to enhance endurance, speed, strength, flexibility, fitness, and overall conditioning. In addition, the SPC conducts athlete screenings, performance assessments, and program development, while providing education on injury prevention, functional exercise, and performance strategies to achieve evidence‑based outcomes. The SPC also contributes to community outreach and strategic growth initiatives within the Sports Medicine and Sports Performance program.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Produce, conduct, evaluate and update sports performance training programs at school districts and St. Luke’s Sports Performance Centers (SLSPC) in compliance with Sports Medicine (SM) and SLSPC guidelines (i.e. documentation, etc.).
Conduct human performance assessments and interpret results to apply effective program design in which exercise technique principles are taught and implemented.
Collaborate with sports medicine personnel and other service providers as necessary to implement injury prevention, rehabilitation, and reconditioning plans and be able to make modifications based on injury status or risk factors.
Maintain organization and order in a professional manner of individuals and groups that receive sports performance training by effectively communicating training plan rationale and through coaching technique.
Ensure that the training environment and equipment is organized, clean and well-maintained.
Recognize signs of medical emergency of participant during training session and understand how to efficiently enact an emergency action plan.
Prepare and conduct informal and formal education sessions for individuals and groups on various sports performance topics including strength, conditioning, recovery, injury prevention, and nutrition.
Participate in continuing education, including within the department and at outside conferences or symposiums.
Complies with network and departmental policies including those related to confidentiality, attendance and dress code, Network Service Excellence Standards of Performance, issues of employee, patient and environmental safety, and operational systems/processes.
Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
Other related duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be physically capable of the potentially strenuous activities typical of someone engaged in leading a sports performance programs. Must be able to effectively listen and communicate with people in-person, via email, over the telephone or via virtual Zoom/ Microsoft Teams conference calls. Must be capable of using a computer keyboard. Must be able to stand for long periods of time. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive without restriction.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Physiology, Kinesiology, Health and Physical Education, Biology, Athletic Training and/or a closely related field - required. Master’s degree is encouraged. Certification in strength and conditioning (e.g., CSCS, NASM, ACSM) preferred. BLS Certification for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED) Program – required within 30 days of hire.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of internship with recognized sports performance organization, high school, collegiate or professional team required. 1-2 years’ work experience as a performance coach, working directly with athletes strongly preferred.
Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address. Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer. Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable. It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application. Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!
Founded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network of more than 23,000 employees providing services at 16 campuses and 350+ outpatient sites. With annual net revenue of $4 billion, the Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. St. Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. Dedicated to advancing medical education, St. Luke’s is the preeminent teaching hospital in central-eastern Pennsylvania. In partnership with Temple University, the Network established the Lehigh Valley’s first and only four-year medical school campus. It also operates the nation’s longest continuously operating School of Nursing, established in 1884, and over 50 fully accredited graduate medical educational programs with more than 500 residents and fellows. In 2022, St. Luke’s, a member of the Children’s Hospital Association, opened the Lehigh Valley’s first and only free-standing facility dedicated entirely to kids. SLUHN is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. It is both a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. The Network’s flagship University Hospital has earned the 100 Top Major Teaching Hospital designation from Premier 13 times total and eleven years in a row, including in 2023 when it was identified as THE #4 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY.
