What are the responsibilities and job description for the Swim Instructor position at YWCA TULSA INC?
Job Title: Swim Instructor Department: Aquatics
Reports to: Director of Member Experience and Engagement FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $16/hour
Position Description:
The Swim Instructor is responsible for providing high-quality swim instruction to participants of all ages and skill levels in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. This role focuses on teaching water safety, building confidence in and around the water, and fostering a positive learning experience. Available to teach group, private and semi-private lessons. The Swim Instructor plays a key role in supporting YWCA Tulsa’s mission by expanding access to swim education for all members of the community
Principal Responsibilities and Duties:
Swim Instruction & Safety
- Provide engaging, structured swim lessons for individuals and groups of varying skill levels.
- Teach water safety skills and proper swimming techniques in alignment with program standards.
- Ensure the safety of all participants by enforcing pool rules and monitoring activities at all times.
- Adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse participants, including beginners and those with varying abilities.
Program Support & Engagement
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging environment for all participants and families.
- Build positive relationships with swimmers and parents/guardians.
- Track participant progress and provide feedback to support skill development.
- Assist with program setup, breakdown, and basic pool area organization.
Collaboration & Communication
- Communicate effectively with participants, parents, and staff.
- Coordinate with aquatics and program staff to ensure smooth lesson delivery.
- Support community-focused initiatives, including free or scholarship-based swim programs.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Prior experience teaching swim lessons.
- Strong knowledge of water safety and basic swim instruction techniques.
- Ability to perform proper stroke mechanics of all 4 swim strokes
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
- Commitment to YWCA Tulsa’s mission, values, and community-focused goals.
Education and Experience:
- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification.
- American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification
- Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) is a plus.
Note: Candidates with strong swim instruction experience may be supported in obtaining WSI certification & CPR and First Aid certification upon hire.
Physical Requirements:
- Work is performed in an indoor and/or outdoor pool environment.
- Requires standing in water for extended periods and active movement during instruction.
- Ability to lift, support, or assist participants in the water as needed.
- Must be able to demonstrate swim techniques and physically assist participants.
- Exposure to pool chemicals and varying temperatures.
Required competencies and expectations: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following mission centered competencies as they relate to YWCA Tulsa core values:
- Community: We center people in our program design; we engage the Community in our decisions, and we partner with others to achieve the greatest impact.
- Advocacy: We are committed to creating space for voices to be heard.
- Respect: We care about each other and treat each other with dignity and value. We believe that authentic, respectful relationships lead to learning and growth.
- Empowerment: We empower each other [and the community/those we serve] to have a voice and create change.
- Equity and Inclusion: We build diverse, welcoming, and inclusive spaces within our walls and in the world.
- Excellence: We set and achieve ambitious goals.
Data Competency:
YWCA team members are expected to demonstrate knowledge of their data and how it relates to their scope of work. Every team member is responsible for the collection of data and the expectation is that this information is reflected upon and used for decision making, serving clients where applicable and adjusting processes when needed. Team members are responsible for entering data accurately, timely and consistently and ensuring that they are aware of goals and objectives related to their position. YWCA team members are expected to synthesize and apply their data to advance our mission and ensure they are reporting progress to their direct supervisors in weekly meetings where they will use data to create action plans, work strategically, and analyze any gaps or areas of need.
Communication Competency:
YWCA team members are expected to communicate clearly, effectively, and in a collaborative manner. YWCA staff are expected to utilize a variety of communication tools, including but not limited to email, TEAMS messages, telephone and in person conversation. It is expected that communication is responded to within no more than 48 hours. YWCA staff will communicate timely and respectfully with staff, stakeholders and clients.
Salary : $16