Adaptive Swim Instructor (WE WILL TRAIN YOU)

Salem Gymnastics & Swim; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Salem Gymnastics & Swim is seeking an Adaptive Swim Instructor to teach children of all abilities, focusing on water safety, confidence, and inclusion. You will work one-on-one or in small groups with neurodivergent children in a supportive environment tailored to each learner's needs.

Base pay ranges from $15.00 to $20.00 per hour. This part-time role offers hands-on training, ongoing development, and potential advancement based on program demand and performance.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and sensitivity to individual needs.
• Willingness to complete Angelfish training and ongoing professional development.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to stay calm and adaptable.
• Strong communication with children, parents, and team members.

Responsibilities

• Teach swim lessons to children with a range of abilities and sensitivities.
• Build trust and rapport with students and families through patience and encouragement.
• Complete Angelfish training (or equivalent adaptive aquatics certification).
• Learn and implement Salem Gymnastics & Swim's swim curriculum.
• Monitor student progress and communicate updates to parents/guardians.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming pool environment at all times.
• Collaborate with fellow instructors and staff to create an inclusive program culture.
• Part-time position that could lead to a fulltime position based on program demand and job performance.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Water safety

Job description

At Salem Gymnastics & Swim it is our mission to grow confident children who love to move. Our goal is to remain the premier place for children to grow for generations to come. Everything at Salem Gymnastics & Swim is grounded in five things that we find to be most important: Quality, Safety, Inclusion, Relationships & Smiles! Our mission, vision and values are our driving force and will be a part of your interview, your training, regular work environment and your performance reviews. If you can relate to these goals and what we find most important we encourage you to apply.

Adaptive Swim Instructors teach children of all abilities and sensitivities how to swim.

In this role, you'll work one-on-one and in small groups with children who have physical, sensory, cognitive, or developmental differences, helping them build water safety skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of swimming — all in a supportive, encouraging environment tailored to each child's individual needs.

Base pay range

$15.00/hr - $20.00/hr

What You'll Do

• Teach swim lessons to children with a range of abilities and sensory sensitivities, adapting techniques to fit each student's unique needs
• Build trust and rapport with students and their families through patience, consistency, and encouragement
• Complete Angelfish Swim School training (or equivalent adaptive aquatics certification) to learn specialized, evidencebased teaching methods
• Learn and implement Salem Gymnastics & Swim's swim curriculum
• Monitor student progress and communicate updates to parents/guardians
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming pool environment at all times
• Collaborate with fellow instructors and staff to create an inclusive program culture
• This is a parttime position that could lead to a fulltime position based on program demand and job performance.

What We're Looking For

• A genuine passion for working with neurodivergent children and helping them succeed
• Experience working with children (swim instruction experience a plus, but not required)
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to stay calm and adaptable in the moment
• Willingness to complete Angelfish training and ongoing professional development
• Strong communication skills with children, parents, and team members
• Ability to recognize and respond to sensory sensitivities or behavioral needs with flexibility and care
• Comfort in and around water; swimming proficiency required
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Reliable, punctual, and a team player

Nice to Have

• Prior experience with special needs populations (ABA therapy, occupational therapy, special education, etc.)
• Background in child development, education, or aquatics
• Sign language or bilingual communication skills
• Lifeguard certification

Why Join Us

At Salem Gymnastics & Swim, you'll be part of a team that believes every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and feel confident in the water. You'll receive hands‑on training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the families you serve.