Swim Team Coach

Job Description:

Swim Team Coach

Develop and educate the McHenry Marlins Aquatics Swim Team for youth ages 6 – 18 years old. Nurture the development and swim mechanics in participants while providing a safe and controlled environment. Coach is responsible for conduction practices, motivating students, representing the team at meets, and instructing student athletes in game strategies and techniques. They play an integral role in the development of building strong character values in youth. The staff always is a representative of the philosophy, mission, and goal of the City of McHenry and its parks and recreation department. Staff must strive to work cooperatively with the Aquatics Supervisor and fellow employees to achieve the goals and objectives of the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation department.

Job Duties

DECISION MAKING AND JUDGEMENT

• Organize and directs small group practice activities/exercises as directed by the head coach
• Assesses swimmer’s skills, monitors students during competition and practice, and keeps the head coach informed of the athletic performance of students
• Ability to handle and resolve conflicts between participants
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with program participants and parents
• Be responsible for maintaining order and discipline within assigned group
• Be prepared to discuss with a parent any experience a child has during program
• Supervise volunteers while they are working, assist other staff, and follow/enforce policies set forth by supervisor

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Models sports-like behavior and maintains appropriate conduct towards students, officials, and spectators
• Will be at your program area and set up 15 minutes prior to start of scheduled activities
• Keep program areas clean, neat, and organized to optimize customer satisfaction
• Distributes equipment, supplies, and uniforms to students as directed by head coach
• Maintain inventories and report any equipment problems or needs to the head coach
• Report any incidents to the head coach
• Assists head coach with submitting a list of award winners at end of the season and providing constructive feedback to help improve overall value of program
• Ability to attend regular scheduled program events, trainings and additional meetings as needed
• Perform support tasks such as distributing and maintaining eligibility forms, emergency data, and other records
• Submit attendance rosters, timesheets, and evaluations to head coach in a timely manner
• No outside or private training may occur with program participants that is not at our authorized facility and operated directly through the McHenry Parks & Recreation department.

SUPERVISION

• Maintains order and safety in swimming areas
• Always assists in enforcing club and pool policies
• Keep accurate count of children in program and at competitions
• Accountable for set-up and take-down of equipment for practices, meets, and swim team events
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to swim or demonstrate the competitive strokes of front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly
• Understanding of competitive swimming terminology and ability to explain to coaches and parents
• Ability to multi-task and handle high pressure situations in loud environments
• Must be motivated and able to implement oral and written instructions
• Must be able to communicate respectfully and effectively with supervisor, co-workers, parents, and children ages 6-18
• Must be physically able to lift a child (if necessary)
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to evaluate situations and make decisions within established policies and standards
• Requires frequent lifting and moving of equipment and supplies
• Must be able to participate in activities
• Knowledge and physical ability to respond in emergency situations
• Candidate must be energetic, outgoing, and interested in being a positive role model to young children
• Candidate must possess strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Candidate must possess ability to be flexible and adjust to changing work environment
• Candidate must possess creativity, initiative, and willingness to learn and implement new ideas
• Candidate must be trained and certified in First Aid and CPR

ACCURACY

• Requires accurate record keeping for programs

PARTICIPANT SAFETY

• Review and understand all emergency drills and be prepared to implement them
• Requires considerable attention and alertness to safety hazards
• Must be able to take on a leadership role in matters of safety

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

• Fill in at various positions when there are personnel shortages, vacations, or special projects
• Other related duties as assigned and perform all duties in a respectful and responsible manner
• Maintains necessary records
• Adheres to all policies and procedures

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS (SPECIALIZED, TECHNICAL, OR PRACTICAL)

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be an example of good moral behavior
• Must have previous experience with a swim team
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification current or obtained before season
• Desire to work with children and parents on a daily basis

HUMAN RELATION SKILLS

• Willingness to project the City of McHenry image by personal adherence to all policies
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and administer all policies, established by the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation department, to all employees and volunteers you may come in contact with

EXPERIENCE

• Current lifeguard certification, USA swimming certification, and Red Cross Safety Training for Coaches or ability to obtain within first month of employment
• At least 2 years experience with a competitive swim team in a volunteer, coach, or participant aspect
• Prefer one or more years of college in a related field (i.e. recreation, child development, sports management, physical education, etc.)