What are the responsibilities and job description for the Swim Instructor - Ellicott City (Dancel) position at The Y in Central Maryland?
Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.
At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!
**$200 Sign-On Bonus**
Details below*
How This Role Contributes to the Y’s Mission
As a Swim Instructor, you will help swimmers build confidence, develop essential water-safety skills, and progress in their swimming abilities. You will lead safe, engaging lessons using the Y’s curriculum while creating a supportive and inclusive environment for swimmers of varying ages and skill levels.
This Work Is Right for You If You:
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Enjoy teaching and encouraging others.
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Are comfortable working in and around the water.
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Can communicate clearly with swimmers and families.
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Adapt your instruction to different ages, abilities, and learning needs.
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Create a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment.
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Are dependable and available to work evenings and weekends.
Essential Functions
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Teach swim lessons using the Y’s curriculum and progression standards.
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Adapt instruction to meet individual and group needs.
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Actively supervise swimmers and enforce pool-safety rules.
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Assess swimmer abilities and support appropriate level progression.
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Provide clear demonstrations, instruction, and positive feedback.
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Prepare and properly store lesson equipment.
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Maintain attendance and required program records.
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Communicate professionally with participants, families, and Y associates.
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Coordinate qualified substitute coverage and provide lesson plans when an absence is necessary.
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Promote Y swim programs and encourage continued participant development.
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Maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
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Model the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Qualifications
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Prior swim-instruction or coaching experience preferred.
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Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
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Oxygen Administration certification or ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
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Lifeguard certification preferred.
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Ability to successfully complete the Y in Central Maryland swim test.
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Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
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Completion of Y Swim Lesson Instructor certification and all required training.
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Completion of required new-associate training, including Child Abuse Prevention, before the first assigned shift.
$200 Sign-On and Training Bonus*
New Swim Instructors may be eligible for a $200 bonus by meeting all of the following requirements:
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Be hired and complete onboarding before or during the Winter Session, which ends February 21, 2027.
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Complete Y Swim Lesson Instructor certification and all required training.
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Complete required class shadowing. Shadowing may begin during Fall II and continue as needed based on demonstrated readiness. Previous swim-instruction or coaching experience may shorten the shadowing period.
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Receive clearance to teach swim lessons independently after completing all training requirements.
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Be scheduled to independently teach at least six group swim-lesson classes during Spring I, beginning March 1, 2027.
The bonus will be processed after training, shadowing, clearance, and the qualifying Spring I teaching schedule are verified. The bonus is subject to applicable payroll withholdings.
Compensation
The anticipated pay range for this position is $16–$20 per hour. Placement within the range will be based on relevant experience, education, qualifications, and internal equity.
Salary : $16 - $20