Swim Instructor - Part Time

YMCA of Central New York; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA of Central New York is seeking a Swim Instructor to lead classes, promote safety, and deliver high‑quality aquatic instruction in line with YMCA guidelines. You will teach lessons, maintain records, and help participants develop skills in a supportive, respectful environment.

This role requires to be at least 16 years old, be able to communicate effectively with families, and complete required trainings and certifications within specified timeframes.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper stroke technique.
• Must be people oriented and possess good communication skills.
• Must have approval of aquatics coordinator to teach lessons.

Responsibilities

• Instruct swim lessons as assigned in accordance with YMCA guidelines in a professional, courteous manner and eliminate unsafe practices and hazards.
• Prepare lesson plans for each session and class.
• Develop positive relationships with participants and provide motivational support and guidance.
• Wear a uniform consistent with branch dress code and arrive 15 minutes early on deck in uniform for all shifts.
• Cover all shifts or arrange substitutes when needed.
• Set up, organize and clean all class materials and report damaged equipment.
• Convey basic information about aquatics programs and schedules.
• Communicate with parents in response to questions or comments about the class.

Skills

Communication skills

People orientation

Instructional ability

Job description

A Career With a Cause

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We focus our work in three key areas: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

$16.00/hour

General Functions

Under the direction of the Assistant Aquatics Director, the Swim Instructor provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation as well as assuring the safety, well‑being, and enjoyment for students in swimming class. The instructor is responsible for teaching classes using YMCA of the USA guidelines & association policies in accordance with their training. Instructors ensure safety at all costs and maintain an effective, quality program.

Responsibilities

• Instruct swim lessons as assigned in accordance with YMCA guidelines in a professional, courteous manner and eliminate unsafe practices and hazards.
• Have prepared lesson plans for each session and class.
• Develop positive relationships with participants and provide motivational support and guidance.
• Wear a uniform consistent with branch dress code (one piece bathing suit; some branches may require staff shirt, whistle, and staff ID).
• Arrive 15 minutes early on deck in uniform for all shifts.
• Cover all shifts. When unable to cover a shift, instructor must find their own substitute.
• Set‑up, organize and clean‑up all class materials, report any damaged equipment to supervisor.
• Convey basic information about aquatics programs and schedules.
• Communicate with parents responding to questions or comments about the class.
• Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings.
• Greet all class participants and/or family members in a courteous and friendly manner.
• Maintain accurate records (attendance, progress reports, class skill performance records, etc.).
• Hand in report cards at given dates for each session.
• Complete and distribute class certificates & program evaluations at the end of session.
• At all times, maintain physical presence with class and remain aware of pool surroundings and patrons in the pool.
• Maintain cleanliness of facility.
• Know, follow, and enforce all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
• All other duties, as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Possess the ability to instruct and observe participants in proper stroke technique.
• Must be people oriented and possess good communication skills.
• Must have approval of aquatics coordinator to teach lessons.

Trainings and Certifications

• Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens and Employee Safety trainings prior to initial assignment to position.
• Must hold and maintain current CPR, AED, first aid and oxygen administration certification within 60 days of hire date.
• Must obtain YMCA Swim Instructor certification within 6 months of hire date.
• Must attend and complete YMCA Child Abuse Prevention within the first 60 days of employment.
• Must attend and complete Activate America, Listen First and Quality Service Training within the first 90 days of employment.

Core Competencies

• Supports the Mission, Vision, and Direction of the YMCA – understands and supports the mission of the YMCA, displays YMCA values, shows flexibility and willingness to try new methods.
• Builds Community – embraces the role of volunteers, helps members and participants make connections, practices effective relationship‑building techniques, supports fundraising.
• Provides a Quality Experience – delivers outstanding experiences for members and participants, consistently greets, and assists everyone positively, strives to exceed expectations, resolves concerns and complaints promptly.
• Works Productively – demonstrates responsible actions, performs duties safely and conscientiously, follows standards and policies, is reliable and punctual, participates in staff meetings and trainings, uses judgment and resources efficiently.
• Communicates Effectively – treats everyone with courtesy and respect, listens actively, communicates clearly and pleasantly, embraces differences, demonstrates willingness to learn and grow, accepts constructive criticism, works cooperatively as a team member.

Physical Demands

Remain alert with no lapses in consciousness. Hear noises and distress signals in an aquatic environment, including in water with background noise, and perform all needed rescue skills. Operate alone as an instructor, without other instructors for support. Project voice across the aquatic area. Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, swim, bend, reach, crouch or crawl, climb, balance, handle or feel, stoop, climb up and down an elevated chair, lift, move and carry approximately 45 pounds, climb a minimum of two flights of stairs every ½ hour, and use hands and fingers. Ability to handle emergency situations. Ability to lift a small to average size child. Specific vision abilities required: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a typical aquatic environment. At times, the employee may be exposed to situations where injuries may occur. The noise level is moderate to above average. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions and wet or humid conditions in swimming pool areas may occur.

Americans With Disabilities Specifications

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.