Adaptive Swim Instructor

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island; New York (NY); On-site; USD 41,328 - 68,880; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized medical options

Free membership

Generous program discounts

Ample time off

Job summary

A community center in New York is seeking an experienced Adaptive Swim Instructor to join its Aquatics team. You will provide tailored swim instruction to children and adults with varying needs, ensuring safety and support. Responsibilities include planning lessons, adapting teaching methods, and collaborating with staff. Required qualifications include 2+ years of swim teaching experience, along with CPR/AED and Lifeguard certifications. The position offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and contributes to a vital community service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching swim lessons.
• 1 year of experience in adaptive swimming with individuals with special needs.
• Comfortable working with individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead adaptive swimming lessons.
• Adapt teaching methods for different abilities.
• Ensure participants' safety at all times.

Skills

Compassion

Empathy

Strong communication

Education

CPR/AED certification

Lifeguard certification

Tools

Adaptive swim instruction techniques

Job description

Adaptive Swim Instructor

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Adaptive Swim Instructor to join our Aquatics team. In this role, you’ll work closely with children and adults with varying physical, cognitive, and sensory needs, providing adaptive swim instruction in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. You will collaborate with our aquatics staff and may also provide guidance to junior instructors or volunteers assisting with lessons.

About You

You are patient, empathetic, and passionate about making swimming accessible to everyone. You will tailor swim lessons to meet the individual needs of each participant, helping them gain confidence, improve water safety, and achieve personal milestones. You work well both independently and collaboratively, and you’re comfortable communicating with caregivers and other team members to ensure consistent and effective support.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and lead adaptive swimming lessons
• Adapt teaching methods to suit different abilities and learning styles
• Ensure participant safety at all times and maintain awareness of emergency procedures
• Communicate with parents or caregivers regarding student progress and lesson goals
• Collaborate with aquatics staff and other team members to support program delivery
• Provide feedback and mentorship to assistant instructors or volunteers
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inclusive swim environment

Our Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching swim lessons, including at least 1 year of experience in adaptive swimming with individuals with special needs
• Comfortable working with individuals with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities
• Strong communication skills and a calm, supportive presenceCurrent CPR/AED and Lifeguard certifications (or ability to obtain before start date)

Preferred Requirements

• WSI (Water Safety Instructor) or equivalent adaptive swim instruction certification
• Background in special education, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, or related fields
• Experience collaborating with caregivers, therapists, or education professionals

Salary

$30 – $50 per hour, based on experience and certifications

Benefits

The JCC of Staten Island is committed to keeping you and your family healthy and happy through a comprehensive benefits program. Offerings include subsidized options for Medical; offerings for Dental and Vision coverage, FSA and Dependent Care. We also offer free LTD, STD, Life Insurance, a Pension, 403B, generous program discounts, free membership, ample time off and much more!

About Us

The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island was founded in 1929 with the goal of creating a home for the Jewish community by offering social, recreational, and educational activities. Over time, that mission expanded to help anyone who walked through the doors of any of our facilities. The JCC has become a true community center—not just for the Jewish community, but for the entirety of Staten Island. Programs serve the needs we see in our community and are constantly expanding to meet new demand. We serve people of all walks of life, from young children to seniors and everyone in between. The JCC is proud to offer services that help improve the quality of life for people on Staten Island and beyond. We strive to help those in need as well as provide recreational and educational opportunities for our members. The JCC of Staten Island is dedicated to encouraging harmony throughout the community by providing facilities and programs that are open to all regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Everyone is welcome at the JCC.