Adapted Aquatics Teacher

Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children (WPSBC); Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children (WPSBC) in Pittsburgh's Oakland district is seeking an Adapted Aquatics Instructor to provide specialized swimming and water-based instruction for visually impaired students with additional needs. This non-exempt role is 189 days/year, with schedules from 8:15am–3:30pm or 7:45am–3:00pm, paying $35–$40/hour based on experience.

The instructor will develop water safety, mobility, fitness, and confidence through individualized adapted activities and

Qualifications

• MS in Adapted Physical Activity or equivalent.
• Certified Adapted Physical Educator required.
• Certified Disability Sport Specialist or relevant certification.
• PA Instructional Level II Health & Physical Education PreK-12.

Responsibilities

• To work closely with the department and program teams to continually improve the program for each student.
• To implement adapted aquatics program and conduct adapted aquatic program for students with visual and multiple disabilities.
• To assess individual and group needs in the pool and design instruction to meet student needs.
• To develop and implement IEPs to meet student needs.
• To provide a safe and well organized pool environment.
• To measure students' skill attainment and report to parents and education Supervisors.
• To use specialized materials/equipment and submit paperwork requesting purchases.
• To inform and direct instructional aides accordingly.
• To attend team and staff meetings and training sessions.
• To perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Executive Director, or Designee.

Skills

Water safety instruction

Adapted aquatics

Education

MS in Adapted Physical Activity

Certified Adapted Physical Educator

Certified Disability Sport Specialist

PA Instructional Level II Health & Physical Education PreK-12

Tools

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor

Job description

ABOUT THE SCHOOL:

Located in the heart of Oakland, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering our students to realize their full potential. The School also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1887, our School is best equipped to care for and educate students with visual impairments. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts within western Pennsylvania.

POSITION SUMMARY:

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Working Schedule: 189 days per year; Mondays through Fridays from 8:15am to 3:30pm or 7:45am to 3:00pm (36hrs per week). Permanent position.

Payrate: $35-40/hr depending on experience

The Adapted Aquatics Instructor provides specialized swimming and water-based instruction to students who are blind or visually impaired and have additional disabilities and complex medical needs. Instruction focuses on developing water safety, physical fitness, mobility, and confidence through individualized and adapted aquatics activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To work closely with the department and program teams to continually improve
• the program for each student.
• To implement adapted aquatics program and conduct adapted aquatic program for students with visual and multiple disabilities.
• To assess individual and group needs in the pool and work/consult with appropriate support personnel to design instruction to meet student needs.
• To develop and implement individual education programs (IEP) designed to meet the needs of each student.
• To provide a safe and well organized pool environment.
• To measure students' skill attainment and report to parents and education supervisors.
• To use specialized and adapted materials/equipment and submit appropriate paperwork recommending purchases.
• To inform and direct instructional aides accordingly.
• To attend and participate in team meetings, staff meetings and professional in-service and training sessions.
• To perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Executive Director, or Designee.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PA Instructional Level II Health & Physical Education PreK-12
• M.S. in Adapted Physical Activity - Certified Adapted Physical Educator; Certified Disability Sport Specialist
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor

Physical Demands / Work Requirements:

The following physical demands are typical for a role in this setting:

• Ability to help lift and/or position students when necessary. Must be comfortable with lifting up to 50 pounds from the floor.
• Ability to lift and carry objects such as equipment, books, stacks of reports, etc, generally items weighing 20 pounds or less.
• Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, crouching, stooping, kneeling, crawling, sitting, and walking including up and down stairs.
• Pushing wheelchairs, moving/sliding student equipment.
• Ability to work in a hot humid environment in therapy pool area and outdoors during student activities and morning and afternoon transportation as needed.
• Communicate respectfully with multiple team members.
• Perform maintenance and upkeep of educational areas and therapy areas (i.e. OT/PT gym, clinic room, storage rooms).
• Assist with student enrichment groups and adapted sports programming as assigned.
• Ability to read and attend to computer screens.
• Manual dexterity skills for typing and use of various equipment.
• Comply with established policies and other duties.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.