Swim Instructor (Private, Group and Adaptive Swim Lessons)

Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

JCC membership

Flexible scheduling

Team environment

Professional development

Life-saving instruction

Community impact

Job summary

The Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia is seeking enthusiastic Swim Instructors for private, group, and adaptive lessons across ages and abilities. You will teach water safety, stroke fundamentals, and building water confidence in a supportive environment.

Ideal candidates adapt to diverse learners, including adaptive athletes, and foster inclusive, engaging sessions. Prior swim instruction and safety certifications are preferred, with flexible scheduling and community impact.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong swimming skills and water safety knowledge are essential.
• Ability to teach and communicate effectively with children and adults.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Teach private, group, and adaptive swim lessons to participants of all ages.
• Develop and implement lesson plans focused on skill progression and safety.
• Evaluate participant abilities and provide feedback to swimmers and caregivers.
• Instruct on swimming fundamentals, breathing, stroke mechanics, and confidence in water.
• Maintain records and communicate professionally with participants and staff.

Skills

Swimming ability

Water safety knowledge

Teaching children & adults

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Job description

Swim Instructor (Private, Group & Adaptive Swim Lessons)

Department: Aquatics
Reports To: Aquatics Director
Position Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $30.00 - $35.00 per instructional hour, based on experience and certifications

Position Summary

The Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia is seeking enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and reliable Swim Instructors to provide high-quality private, group, and adaptive swim lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Instructors are responsible for teaching water safety, stroke development, swimming fundamentals, and water confidence in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

The ideal candidate is passionate about aquatics, enjoys working with diverse populations, and is committed to helping participants achieve their individual goals. Swim Instructors should be able to adapt their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of swimmers with varying physical, cognitive, sensory, developmental, and behavioral abilities while fostering a positive and encouraging learning experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach private, group, and adaptive swim lessons to participants of all ages and skill levels.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that support skill progression, water safety, and individual learning goals.
• Evaluate participant abilities and provide ongoing feedback to swimmers, parents, and caregivers.
• Teach swimming fundamentals, water safety, stroke mechanics, breathing techniques, and aquatic confidence.
• Modify instruction techniques and teaching strategies to accommodate participants with diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Create a welcoming, patient, and inclusive learning environment that promotes participant success.
• Utilize positive reinforcement and individualized approaches to encourage swimmer development.
• Enforce pool rules and safety standards at all times.
• Maintain attendance records, progress notes, and lesson documentation as required.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with participants, parents, caregivers, members, and staff.
• Assist with swim assessments, aquatic events, special programs, and community outreach initiatives as needed.
• Support the mission, values, and customer service expectations of the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia.

Qualifications

Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong swimming skills and knowledge of water safety principles.
• Ability to effectively teach and communicate with children and adults.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for all participants.

Preferred

• Previous swim instruction experience.
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification.
• Current Lifeguarding Certification.
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification.
• Experience teaching private and group swim lessons.
• Experience working with adaptive athletes, individuals with disabilities, or participants with diverse learning needs.
• Knowledge of adaptive aquatics, inclusive recreation, therapeutic recreation, special education, or related fields.
• Experience working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, or anxiety related to water participation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to demonstrate swimming skills and aquatic techniques.
• Ability to enter and remain in the water for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, support, and assist participants when necessary.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, reach, and move safely on wet surfaces.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately during emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a loud aquatic environment.

Schedule

• Flexible weekday, evening, and weekend hours.
• Scheduling based on lesson demand, pool availability, and instructor availability.
• Opportunities available year-round, including summer camps, school breaks, and special aquatics programming.

Benefits

• Complimentary JCC Membership.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and certification advancement.
• Meaningful work teaching life-saving water safety and swim skills.
• Opportunity to positively impact children, adults, and families throughout the community.

About the Pozez JCC

The Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia is committed to building an inclusive community through programs that promote health, wellness, education, and engagement. Our aquatics program serves swimmers of all ages and abilities, from beginners learning basic water safety to advanced swimmers refining technique. We proudly support inclusive and adaptive programming to ensure all individuals have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in the water.

The Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.