Swim Coach - Metro Vancouver

Canucks Autism Network; Surrey; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a charitable organization creating inclusive communities for autistic individuals across British Columbia. We recruit for fall programs in Metro Vancouver, offering varied schedules and locations.

As a Swim Coach, you will lead skill development, implement CAN curriculum, and foster a positive learning environment under onsite supervision. Ideal candidates have coaching experience with children or youth, are First Aid and CPR-C certified, and can collaborate with

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver organized lesson plans that match the program curriculum and participant needs.
• Use autism-informed coaching methods and adapt activities for different abilities and sensory needs.
• Create a positive, supportive, and enjoyable learning environment.
• Work with Onsite Supervisor to ensure successful participant-staff matches.
• Ensure sessions start and end on time, including setup and cleanup.
• Assess swimming skills and complete participant report cards.
• Provide clear instructions to Support Workers and Volunteers during activities.
• Collaborate with the team to meet participant needs and ensure programs run smoothly.
• Maintain professionalism and effective communication with participants, families, and coworkers.
• Arrive prepared with equipment, lesson materials and activity plans.

Skills

Coaching experience

First aid & CPR-C

Punctual & reliable

Team player

Education

Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Certification

CPR-C & Standard First Aid

Red Cross WSI

Lifesaving Society NLS Pool Option

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 Metro Vancouver

Fall 2026 Available Programs

• Swim @ Edmonds Community Centre: Saturdays, October 17 to December 5, from 8:45 - 11:00 am
• Swim @ Bettie Allard YMCA: Sundays, October 18 to December 6, from 12:45 - 3:00 pm
• Swim @ Tong Louis YMCA: Saturdays, October 17 to December 12, from 1:45 - 5:00 pm
• Swim @ Coquitlam City Centre: Sundays, October 18 - December 13, 7:45 - 10:30 am

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.
• Assesses 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

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.