What are the responsibilities and job description for the Swim Lesson Instructor position at Barber National Institute?
Overview:
As a Swim Lesson Instructor with the Aquatics Department of the Barber National Institute, you will teach swimming and water safety skills to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. This includes adaptive swim instruction for people with physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges. Your instruction will range from introducing toddlers to the water to helping seniors build confidence and mobility through swimming.
In this role, you’ll create a welcoming and supportive environment that emphasizes safety, inclusivity, and fun. You’ll work closely with the Aquatics Director to develop personalized lessons that meet each swimmer’s unique needs, learning styles, and goals. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is passionate about water safety, values diversity, and enjoys making a meaningful impact through education and empowerment.
What You’ll Bring:
Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.
Healthcare
The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE
As a Swim Lesson Instructor with the Aquatics Department of the Barber National Institute, you will teach swimming and water safety skills to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. This includes adaptive swim instruction for people with physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges. Your instruction will range from introducing toddlers to the water to helping seniors build confidence and mobility through swimming.
In this role, you’ll create a welcoming and supportive environment that emphasizes safety, inclusivity, and fun. You’ll work closely with the Aquatics Director to develop personalized lessons that meet each swimmer’s unique needs, learning styles, and goals. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is passionate about water safety, values diversity, and enjoys making a meaningful impact through education and empowerment.
What You’ll Bring:
- Strong knowledge of swimming techniques and water safety practices
- Experience adapting lessons for individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent needs
- Confidence in teaching all age groups—from infants to seniors
- Ability to communicate clearly and positively with swimmers, families, and team members
- Patience, empathy, and a commitment to inclusive instruction.
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Prior experience as a swim instructor, lifeguard, or competitive swimmer preferred
- Background in education, adaptive sports, or recreational therapy is a plus
- Ability to develop individualized lesson plans and track progress
- Current certifications (preferred but not required – we’ll help you get there!):
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
- Lifeguard Certification (or willingness to obtain)
- CPR/AED and First Aid (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
- Teaching swimming and water safety to individuals or small groups
- Adapting lessons based on ability, developmental level, or sensory needs
- Using creative methods and positive reinforcement to build confidence
- Ensuring safety at all times and responding quickly to emergencies
- Setting up and sanitizing instructional equipment before and after lessons
- Recording attendance and tracking participant progress
- Collaborating with the Aquatics Director and team to support program goals
- Participating in ongoing training, in-service hours, and professional development
Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.
Healthcare
- Teladoc Virtual Health
- On-Demand Pay
- Employee Referral Bonus program
- Student Loan Forgiveness
- College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts
- Employee Discounts
- Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare
- Employee discounts for select events and services
The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE
