Swim Lesson Lead

Job Details: Job Location: Jeep Rogers Family YMCA - Columbia, SC, Salary Range: $15.00 - $17.00Hourly, POSITION SUMMARY:

The Swim Lesson Lead supports the delivery of safe, high-quality, member-focused YMCA swim lesson programming. This position provides frontline supervision during assigned group and private lesson blocks, supports instructor development and curriculum consistency, assists with registration and scheduling, maintains participant progress communication, and builds positive relationships with swimmers and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides active, on-deck supervision for group and private swim lessons during assigned lesson blocks to support safety, program quality, and a positive family experience.

2. Serves as a frontline supervisory presence for instructors, participants, and families by answering questions, helping resolve concerns, and keeping lesson blocks organized.

3. Provides emergency coverage for group and private swim lessons when needed to maintain continuity of instruction, appropriate ratios, and a safe program environment.

4. Builds intentional relationships with children, parents, guardians, and families by communicating before, during, and after lessons in a professional and welcoming manner.

5. Observes lesson quality and supports instructors through coaching, feedback, and guidance during and after lessons.

6. Assists with onboarding new swim instructors by introducing YMCA swim lesson curriculum, class expectations, progression standards, and lesson block procedures.

7. Coordinates private lesson scheduling with families and instructors based on instructor availability, pool space, participant goals, and appropriate instructor fit.

8. Registers families for private lessons in Daxko and assists with rescheduling private lessons in Daxko as needed.

9. Supports group lesson registration by registering participants, monitoring class openings, and removing participants from the waitlist in alignment with established lesson ratios and supervisor direction.

10. Maintains accurate lesson records and does not independently remove participants from classes or issue refunds/credits unless directed by the appropriate supervisor.

11. Completes or ensures completion of swim lesson progress trackers for each child, including skills mastered and skills that still need improvement.

12. Coordinates family communication, including welcome letters and mid-session updates, to keep families informed about lesson expectations, progress, and next steps.

13. Communicates staffing needs, ratio concerns, lesson quality concerns, family feedback, and program needs to Aquatics leadership in a timely manner.

14. Maintains availability for a minimum of 10 hours per week, including evening availability, with the understanding that additional hours may be offered during periods of high program demand.

15. Models YMCA values, child safety practices, and relationship-building behaviors in all interactions with staff, members, program participants, and families.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Previous swim instruction experience required; experience leading or coaching instructors preferred.

2. Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification or ability to obtain within the timeframe required by the YMCA.

3. Current CPR, AED, First Aid, and other certifications required by YMCA policy or the supervisor.

4. Ability to use Daxko or related YMCA systems for registration, scheduling, rescheduling, and lesson records.

5. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with children, families, instructors, coworkers, and supervisors.

6. Ability to supervise lesson blocks, coach instructors, support curriculum consistency, and maintain confidentiality when handling participant or family information.

7. Must be available at least 10 hours per week, including evenings; additional hours may be available based on program demand.

8. Must model YMCA values, member service, child safety practices, and positive relationship-building in all interactions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sufficient strength, mobility, stamina, and alertness to supervise swim lesson activities, move throughout the pool deck, enter and exit the water as needed, assist participants, demonstrate or support swim skills, and respond appropriately in an emergency.

Signing the above job description indicates that the newly hired or currently employed YMCA staff member understands the duties of their job and the expectation the YMCA has for the highest level of customer service and job performance.