Swim Team Assistant Coach

Position Summary: 

The Edwardsville YMCA is seeking a motivated and dedicated Assistant Swim Team Coach to support our competitive swim team under the direct supervision of the Aquatics Director. This role is crucial in assisting the Head Coach with developing swimmers of all ages and skill levels, and fostering a supportive and high-achieving team environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in competitive swimming, effective coaching techniques, and a passion for athlete development. The Assistant Swim Team Coach will help create a positive and safe environment that aligns with YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Coaching and Training:

• Assist in the development and implementation of training programs tailored to swimmers of various ages and skill levels, focusing on technique, endurance, and race strategy.
• Conduct structured practice sessions and drills in collaboration with the Head Coach to enhance swimmers' performance.
• Provide feedback and instruction to swimmers to improve their skills and technique.

Competition Preparation:

• Help prepare swimmers for meets and events, including setting performance goals and developing strategies.
• Support the Head Coach at swim meets, assisting with warm-ups, races, and cooldowns.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Contribute to fostering a positive team environment that encourages sportsmanship, discipline, and camaraderie.
• Support teamwork and collaboration among athletes, coaches, and parents to help achieve team objectives.

Athlete Evaluation and Progress Tracking:

• Assist in assessing swimmers' progress, skill development, and performance improvement.
• Help maintain records of swimmers' achievements, attendance, and competition results.

Communication and Relationship Building:

• Communicate effectively with swimmers, parents, and guardians about practice schedules, competition details, and team policies.
• Build strong relationships with athletes to understand their needs and motivations, and encourage connections within the team and the YMCA community.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Aid in organizing team events, travel arrangements, and fundraising activities as needed.
• Collaborate with the Head Coach and leadership on program development, budgeting, and facility management.

OUR CULTURE:

At the YMCA, our mission and core values shape our culture. We are committed to strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality. We are welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. We strive to provide an environment where everyone can belong and reach their full potential. 

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

• Mission Advancement: Models the Y’s values and provides high-level service to change lives. Supports volunteers with training and recognition. Builds relationships to support fundraising.
• Collaboration: Promotes inclusion and builds small communities. Communicates effectively, handles conflicts empathetically, and tailors communication to the audience. Offers feedback and support to staff.
• Operational Effectiveness: Provides frameworks for decision-making, manages budgets, and ensures high-quality results. Engages the team in best practices and measures progress.
• Personal Growth: Adapts to change, models awareness of its impact, and addresses issues using non-threatening methods. Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• American Red Cross lifeguard certification is required within 30 days of hire date.
• Proven experience with swim teams.
• Certification in coaching (preferred but not required).
• Knowledge of competitive swimming techniques, training methodologies, and race strategies.
• Strong leadership, motivational, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
• Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work in indoor and outdoor pool environments, with potential travel for competitions.
• Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends for practices and meets.
• Ability to demonstrate swimming strokes and techniques.
• Lift and move equipment as needed.
• Stand and/or sit for extended periods during practices and meets.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Schedule:

This part-time position requires 15-20 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.