Safe Start Instructor, Osceola YMCA Family Center

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Safe Start, the Safe Start Instructor provides excellent customer service while giving direct leadership, motivation, and instruction of the Safe Start survival swim skills program for children ages six months to four years old. The Safe Start Instructor creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with the YMCA of Central Florida policies and procedures.

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. We are the Y.

Job Responsibilities

• Ensure all safety protocols and Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) prompts and procedures are utilized.
• Instruct Safe Start lessons as assigned in accordance with the YMCA of Central Florida and Safe Start guidelines and training protocols.
• Provide individualized instruction in survival swimming techniques to Safe Start participants.
• Teach children ages six months to four years old to swim through the water, roll onto their backs to assume a back-float position, rotate back over and swim to safety using reinforcement and conditioning methods.
• Maintain accurate records for Safe Start participants as required, including daily pool side bud sheets.
• Communicate effectively with parents regarding the child’s progress.
• Assist Safe Start Director and Family Centers in marketing and public relations events to promote the growth of the Safe Start program.
• Greet and develop effective relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
• Assist in the retention of existing members and engagement of new members by informing them of the Family Center aquatic programs, including Safe Start survival lessons, refresher lessons, YMCA progressive swim lessons, swim team, lap swimming, and group exercise classes.
• Know, understand and consistently apply safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• Know and review all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with the YMCA of Central Florida policies and procedures.
• Attend all staff meetings, re-certifications, in-services, and trainings as required.
• Assist in the identification of active volunteers for the Family Center Annual Scholarship Campaign.
• Provide understanding of the mission of the YMCA of Central Florida to staff and members.
• Promote and represent the mission and core values of the YMCA of Central Florida in the Family Center and its programs.
• All other duties assigned by Management.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School graduate or equivalent required; AA/AS/BS degree in Psychology, Physiology, or Anatomy a plus.
• Previous experience in behavior modification, sensory motor learning, or operant conditioning a plus.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required.
• Current ISR instructor certification or the ability to successfully complete the required training to become a certified ISR (Infant Self Rescue) instructor as provided by the YMCA

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be willing to work an on-call schedule rotation as required.
• Must be willing to travel within Central Florida. Must have a valid Driver license. The employee is required to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• Required to work outdoors for extended periods of time. May be exposed to extreme outdoor weather conditions and temperatures and to wet and/or humid conditions in swimming pool areas.
• Must possess auditory, verbal and visual capabilities in order to adequately communicate via phone and in person. Talking is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, with or without correction
• Must possess the physical ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a professional water rescue.
• Must be able to work with hazardous chemicals (i.e. pool chemicals, cleaning solutions, disinfectants, etc.).
• Must possess the physical ability to pass a lifeguard water test and perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a professional water rescue.
• Must be alert at all times, keeping safety in mind. Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor environment and members’ well-being.
• May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time while demonstrating manual dexterity in order to accurately work on the phone, computer keyboard, and other equipment.

Disclaimers

• Must complete successful background screening, which includes criminal and employment verification.
• All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA promotes an equal employment opportunity work place which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please see your manager should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.