Swim Team Assistant Coach (RFT)

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  This position assists in providing direct leadership to YMCA Swim Team programs that emphasizes positive self-worth, stroke development, fun, fitness, personal safety in a safe aquatic environment.

OUR CULTURE: 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

The Akron Area YMCA stands with others in denouncing prejudice, racism, intolerance, and all other forms of discrimination.  We are committed to our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  In the 150-year history of the Akron Area YMCA we have always and will continue to be dedicated to doing more, doing better, and thus becoming a champion of change in our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Directly coach (at least) one primary training group at the YMCA Aquatic Center location and exclusively handle all needs of that/those groups, including both practices, swim meets and special events.
2. Assist Head Coach and Aquatics Administration with planning, implementing, scheduling and evaluating all groups of swim team.
3. Recruit’s volunteers and assists with training when necessary.
4. Assists with the coordination of parent volunteers, concessions and fundraisers.
5. Supervise swimmers before, during and after swim team practices and events, to ensure proper behavior and safety. Completes incident reports and other paperwork in a timely manner. 
6. Maintain a positive working relationship with fellow staff and members of all ages and background.
7. Remains current in the field through certifications and training.
8. Attend and take leadership role in event management in all hosted swim meets at the YMCA Aquatic Center, as well as additional duties assigned for other hosted events as needed.
9. Responds appropriately and proactively to member concerns, assists in the retention of existing members and engagement of new members.
10. Build effective, authentic relationships with community partners, parents and program participants, neighboring swim teams and YMCA’s.
11. Maintain knowledge of industry trends and required coaching credentials as determined by YUSA, NEO League rules and Akron YMCA policies
12. Know, understand and consistently apply emergency procedures, safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
13. Attend all staff meetings, trainings and league meetings as required.
14. Promote and represent the mission and core values of the Akron Area YMCA Association and its programs.
15. All other duties assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:

Upholding the YMCA’s commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

1. Attend required abuse risk management training.
2. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
3. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
4. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
5. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Collaboration: Develops and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, members, program participants, and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Communication & Influence: Interprets messages and body language effectively. Listens with intent to understand the perspective of others.  Responds to the individual needs of the other person.
• Developing Self & Others: Supports others in achieving their goals. Reflects and learns from successes and mistakes.  Proactively shares information and suggestions to help others be successful.  Solicits and is open to learning opportunities.
• Inclusion: Embraces all dimensions of diversity by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect.  Creates a safe environment in which others feel welcome and respected.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Prior experience in working in aquatics and supervision of others
• Demonstrate strong people skills, organizational and administrative skills
• Experience in program development, work with volunteers, financial development and customer service
• Certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid and Oxygen
• (preferred) Certified American Red Cross or YMCA lifeguard
• (preferred) American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification or equivalent. LGI Certification is required within 90 days.
• (preferred) Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSLI) or previous experience teaching group swim lessons.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to be in the pool for extended periods of time (varying warm to cool water temperatures)
• Must be able to communicate verbally to groups and individuals in and out of the pool area.
• Ability to think in abstract, problem solve, remember and reconstruct.
• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
• Ability to lift equipment, and to lift or assist a distressed swimmer.
• Sit/stand for extended periods of time in a warm, humid environment
• Recognize distress signals through sight and sound in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.