Swim Coach - Fraser Valley

Canucks-Autism-Network-Society; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-house training

Small class sizes

Ongoing mentorship

Job summary

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is seeking enthusiastic Swim Coaches to lead skill development and deliver CAN program curriculum for participants across the Fraser Valley, BC. Under Onsite Supervisors, coaches mentor Support Workers and Volunteers, ensuring a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment with small class sizes.

Responsibilities include creating lesson plans, adapting activities to diverse abilities, coordinating with staff, and managing setup and session timelines while

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• At least 1 year coaching children/youth sports or leading group activities.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification (minimum).
• Able to provide references and a clear criminal record check.
• Comfortable at all pool depths.

Responsibilities

• Lead skill development and deliver CAN program curriculum for participants.
• Provide guidance to Support Workers and Volunteers during sessions.
• Create a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
• Prepare and adapt lesson plans to meet diverse abilities.
• Ensure sessions start and end on time and manage setup/cleanup.
• Complete participant report cards and track progress.

Skills

Swim coaching

Team leadership

Autism awareness

Education

Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Certification

CPR-C Certification

Job description

Wage: $27/hour + 10% in lieu of benefits

Schedule & Hours: Various schedules and hours based on program(s)

Locations: Multiple locations across the Fraser Valley

Fall 2026 Available Programs:

• Swim @ W.C. Blair Recreation Centre: Saturdays, October 17 to December 5, from 8:45 am- 12:00 pm
• Swim @ Cheam Leisure Centre: Sundays, October 18 to December 6, from 8:15 - 11:00 am
• Swim @ Matsqui Recreation Centre: Wednesdays, October 14 to December 9, from 3:45 - 6:30 pm

Program opportunities are available year-round, and we recruit for each season closer to the start of the program. Specific program details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Position Description

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a charitable organization dedicated to building inclusive communities where individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive. Our vision is for every Autistic individual to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces. We engage a workforce of over 200 volunteers and 450 frontline staff to deliver programs for children, youth, and adults on the spectrum in communities across British Columbia. In total, there are over 20,100 Autistic individuals and family members accessing CAN programs in our registration system.

CAN is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated Swim Coach to join our team. As a Coach you will lead the skill development of participants, implement CAN program curriculum, and create a positive and fun learning environment. Under the direction of our skilled Onsite Supervisors, Coaches are also responsible for providing guidance and leadership to the Support Workers and Volunteers assisting participants during program time. All Coaches receive in-house training, ongoing mentorship and training, and benefit from small class sizes.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may vary depending on program format and participant needs. Support Workers contribute to the overall success of programs by supporting participants, facilitating engagement, and collaborating with the team.

Program Instruction & Participant Engagement:

• Creates and delivers organized lesson plans that match the program curriculum and participant needs.
• Uses autism-informed coaching methods and adapts activities to support different abilities, communication styles, and sensory needs.
• Creates a positive, supportive, and enjoyable learning environment.
• Works with the Onsite Supervisor to ensure successful participant-staff matches.
• Ensures activities run smoothly and that sessions start and end on time, including setup and cleanup.
• Assessing swimming skills accurately and completes participant report cards.

Staff Supervision, Mentorship, & Communication:

• Provides clear instructions and support to Support Workers and Volunteers during program activities.
• Works closely with the Onsite Supervisor to meet participant needs and ensure programs run successfully.
• Shares lesson plans and activity expectations with staff and volunteers ahead of time.
• Helps ensure volunteers are assigned meaningful and productive roles within the program.
• Models professionalism, teamwork, and respectful communication with participants, families, and coworkers.

Organization, Administration, & Professional Accountability:

• Arrives prepared with the necessary equipment, lesson materials, and activity plans.
• Reliably picks up, transports, and returns equipment on time.
• Demonstrates good time management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Follows program procedures, safety guidelines, and organizational expectations.
• Adapts appropriately to changes in programming or participant needs.
• Maintains a professional and dependable approach throughout the session.

Sustainable Work Practices and Wellbeing:

• Engage in self-reflective practices and open communication with supervisors to support personal wellbeing, maintain healthy boundaries and contribute to a sustainable and supportive work environment.

Requirements:

• Must be 16 years of age of older.
• A minimum of 1 year experience in coaching children/youth sport(s) and/or leading and planning group activities in a recreational setting
• Must have a valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C Certification (at minimum)
• Able to provide appropriate references and a clear criminal record check
• Must be comfortable at all pool depths

Must have valid:

• Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Certification OR Red Cross WSI and Lifesaving Society Swim Transition Course
• CPR-C and Standard First Aid Certification
• Lifesaving Society NLS Pool Option (not required but an asset)

Knowledge, Assets and Skills:

• Punctual and reliable: committed to 100% program attendance
• Autism experience and knowledge an asset
• Previous experience as a community swim coach an asset
• Fun, enthusiastic, motivated, and a positive team player
• Punctual and reliable: committed to 100% program attendance
• Autism experience and knowledge an asset
• Previous experience as a community swim coach an asset
• Fun, enthusiastic, motivated, and a positive team player

Approach

• Committed to treating Autistic children with dignity, respect, and understanding in all interactions
• Works in alignment with CAN’s neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices, prioritizing safety, choice and trust.
• Collaborative, flexible, and supportive team member
• Patient, enthusiastic, and responsive to participant needs
• Open to feedback and commitment to ongoing learning, reflection and growth.

Please note that all chosen candidates will need to successfully complete our online criminal record check to move forward in the hiring process. Additionally, successful candidates/new employees must complete all training and necessary paperwork prior to starting the program.