NEMO Swim Instructor

Stephens Family YMCA•Champaign, IL

22d

About The Position

The Swim Instructor supports the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The instructor maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and provides direct leadership, instruction, and motivation for students in swim classes. This role includes teaching adaptive swim lessons, modifying activities to meet students’ needs, and supporting participants and families in achieving their goals.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
Confidence and experience working with people of various ages and with a variety of disabilities.
Ability to adapt or modify activities, follow written lesson plans, and work independently.
Good safety awareness, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification, or ability to obtain certification within 90 days; the YMCA provides monthly training.
Ability to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
Ability to understand the needs of people with disabilities and adapt activities to enable participation.
Ability to relate positively to people significantly impacted by disability or who display challenging behavior.
Ability to respond to problem situations maturely and in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper water safety skills.
Ability to lift equipment and a small- to average-size child.

Responsibilities

Teach swimming lessons in accordance with YMCA guidelines and standards, preparing lesson plans and using progress trackers.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, colleagues, and other members of the YMCA community; encourage parent or caregiver involvement.
Maintain required records, including attendance and progress reports.
Follow YMCA policies, rules, regulations, procedures, and emergency and safety procedures.
Complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
Organize and put away class equipment, and report damaged equipment.
Design and implement adaptive swim lesson plans tailored to individual student needs.
Adapt activities as needed and appropriate to enable participation.
Communicate effectively with staff, participants, and parents.
Attend staff orientation, training, and meetings as directed.