Cross Country – Human Guide/Guide Runner (Scituate High School)

Job Summary: The Scituate School Department is seeking a dependable, student-centered Human Guide/Guide Runner to support a Scituate High School student-athlete with a visual impairment in participating safely and meaningfully in the cross country program. The Guide Runner serves as a running partner who provides navigation, verbal cues, course awareness, and safety support while allowing the student-athlete to determine their own pace, effort, and running goals. The successful candidate will be physically capable of running or jogging the distances and pace necessary to remain with the student-athlete, communicate clearly while moving, anticipate course conditions, and work closely with the student-athlete, Head Coach, Athletic Director, and school staff. The Guide Runner will support practices and competitions in accordance with district policies, RIIL requirements, meet rules, and the individual needs of the student-athlete. Terms of Employment: This position is a one-year, at-will appointment. Continued assignment is contingent upon satisfactory performance, program needs, and annual approval by the appropriate school and district administrators.

Responsibilities: Attend and actively participate in scheduled cross country practices and competitions as assigned. Run or jog alongside the student-athlete and provide consistent navigation and safety support. Learn the athlete's preferred guiding method, communication cues, pace, and routines. Provide clear, timely verbal cues regarding turns, terrain, obstacles, changes in surface, other runners, and finish-line location. Train with the student-athlete when possible so that guiding communication and movement become familiar before competition. Work collaboratively with the Head Coach and Athletic Director to plan safe practices, course familiarization, transportation, and meet logistics. Follow all district policies, RIIL rules, meet-specific rules, and required safety procedures. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect student confidentiality. Encourage independence, confidence, sportsmanship, and full participation without taking over the athlete's role or decision-making. Communicate concerns about safety, fatigue, injury, course conditions, or other barriers to the Head Coach and appropriate school personnel. Maintain and properly use any approved guide equipment assigned for the position. Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development. Perform other duties as assigned by administration consistent with the scope of the position.