Adaptive Recreation Instructor-Aquatics

Town-of-Chapel-Hill,-N; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Town of Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation is seeking an Adaptive Recreation Instructor – Aquatics to teach swimming to participants with diverse needs, including autism and Down syndrome. Pay is $20.69 per hour. The role involves planning, supervising, and supporting inclusive programs within indoor/outdoor settings.

Expect evenings and weekends; training and first aid/AED knowledge valued. This safety-sensitive position requires flexibility, patience, and teamwork with staff, volunteers, and

Qualifications

• Experience teaching swimming to individuals with diverse needs (ASD, Down syndrome, etc).
• Ability to plan and implement inclusive recreation activities.
• Strong observation and communication to support participants and families.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate adaptive recreation instruction and facilitation.
• Observe participant behaviors and implement inclusion plans.
• Provide first aid and maintain safety procedures; report incidents.

Skills

Swimming instruction

Inclusive education

Behavior observation

First aid awareness

Job description

Inspire, Create, PLAY … and get paid!

Adaptive Recreation Instructor – Aquatics

PAY: $20.69 per hour

What We’re Looking For

An energetic, enthusiastic, and creative individual, who has a passion for teaching swimming lessons. The ideal candidate has experience supporting individuals with diverse needs, including those on theAutism Spectrum, who have Down Syndrome, or other developmental, physical, sensory or mental health diagnoses.

What You’ll Do At Work

Plan & Coordinate. Assist in adaptive recreation program planning, instruction, and facilitation. Observe participant behaviors and interactions. Develop and implement individual inclusion plans. Complete and submit reports.

Communicate. Develop relationships with staff, parents, volunteers, and participants; be empathic, build trust, and display patience. Mediate and resolve conflicts and behaviors.

Lead! Supervise and support volunteers to create an inclusive and meaningful experience. Provide training and development of inclusion strategies. Provide positive and corrective feedback.

Participate! Actively engage while supervising and instructing participants. Encourage and invite participation, set an example for positive and inclusive learning and play.

Attend to injuries. Provide first aid. Complete and submit reports. Inventory and restock supplies. Perform C.P.R. and utilize A.E.D.

Learn and Grow. Attend and participate in staff orientation and trainings. Lead and participate staff/volunteer meetings and teambuilding. Give and receive feedback. Provide input.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Learn, serve, and work together to build a community where people thrive by upholding the Town’s values, RESPONSIBILITY, EQUITY, SAFETY, PROFESSIONALISM, ETHICS, COMMUNICATION, and TEAMWORK.

Support Adaptive Recreation. Set up, break down, and maintain supplies and equipment. Clean and maintain safe spaces. Be flexible and adapt to changes; assist and support where needed.

Where You’ll Work

You’ll be working both indoors and outdoors, at and in recreation centers, parks, playgrounds, trails, and swimming pools. Programs run year-round, and you may experience hot or cold temperatures and inclement weather.

When You’ll Work

You’ll work evenings and weekends based on seasonal program schedules. Fall 2026 programming requires staff to be available Mondays between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

What You’ll Take Away from Your Experience Working with Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation

• Develop work ethic, empathy, patience, and awareness.
• Interpersonal and Leadership skills.
• Improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• An American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR, & AED certification.
• Access to Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation facilities: Chapel Hill Community Center, Nate Davis Sr. Gym, and the Homestead Aquatics Centers; includes Basketball, Volleyball, Rock Climbing, and Swimming during drop-in hours.
• Memories and friendships that will last a lifetime!

You Should Apply if You (minimum requirements)

• Are 18 years of age or older.
• Enjoy working with individuals with different needs.
• Have at least 2 years’ experience working with individuals on the Autism spectrum, with Down Syndrome, or with other developmental disabilities.
• Have experience planning and instructing aquatics and classes.

Preference to those that apply who

• Experience, some college coursework, certifications, or degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education or related field such as Adaptive Physical Education, Recreation Management, etc.
• Speak well enough to effectively communicate with participants and/or their parents in Burmese, Karen, Spanish and Mandarin.

This classification has been designated as Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.