Aquatics Instructor - French Creek YMCA

YMCA of Greater Cleveland•Avon, OH

About The Position

The Aquatics Instructor plans and delivers effective swim instruction using the Y of the USA swim curriculum for YMCA members, program participants, and non-members. Instructors are expected to be knowledgeable, punctual, professional, and attentive to participants. The role includes maintaining participant safety, evaluating swimming skills, placing participants in appropriate classes, and conducting lessons in accordance with YMCA of Greater Cleveland standards and guidelines. The instructor prepares lessons and materials in advance, starts and ends classes on time, follows attendance and safety rules, maintains positive relationships with participants and parents, and keeps the pool area and equipment clean. The position also includes communicating about class cancellations and makeups, arranging qualified substitutes when necessary, reporting program concerns to a supervisor, gathering participant feedback, and supporting YMCA events and fundraising activities. Employees must keep required training and certifications current and follow YMCA policies and procedures. All YMCA of Greater Cleveland employees are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect and must follow the specified reporting process.

Requirements

Demonstrated public speaking ability and customer service orientation toward individuals and groups.
CPR and First Aid certification and safety training required within 30 days of hire.
Knowledge of pool readings and chemistry.
Working knowledge of teaching aids such as kickboards, pull buoys, and diving rings.
General knowledge of anatomy and exercise physiology.
Commitment to the YMCA mission and cause, and willingness to uphold its values and ethics.
Ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
Willingness and ability to serve as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect and follow the required reporting process.

Nice To Haves

At least 6 months of instructor experience in the designated aquatic area is preferred.
Current swim instructor certification (WSI or YSI) is preferred before hire; otherwise, it must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate swimming skills and explain them clearly to class members.
Teach at the appropriate skill and age level for each class.
Plan each class in advance and prepare to begin on time with the proper materials, equipment, and attire.
Follow YMCA attendance and safety rules and start and end classes on time.
Maintain positive rapport with participants and their parents.
Conduct classes in accordance with YMCA of Greater Cleveland standards and guidelines.
Notify the supervisor promptly of problems relating to a class or program area.
Ensure participant safety, know emergency procedures, and know the location of emergency equipment.
Gather periodic participant feedback using written evaluations provided by the Program Director.
Leave the program area safely closed down.
Inform students of cancellations and makeups in a timely manner and obtain a qualified substitute when needed.
Evaluate swimming skills and place participants in appropriate classes.
Keep the pool area neat and clean and regularly sanitize equipment and assigned areas as directed.
Interact positively and visibly with members, volunteers, and staff while demonstrating YMCA core values.
Follow established policies and procedures, including safety practices and personnel policies.
Participate in and support association events and fundraising activities.
Obtain required training and certifications and provide current copies to the supervisor.
Follow the child abuse and neglect reporting process, including completing the reporting form, contacting children protective services, and notifying the specified YMCA personnel.