Adaptive Swim Instructor (WE WILL TRAIN YOU)

Job Description

Job Description

If you believe every child deserves to feel safe in the water and you're willing to do the patient, creative work it takes to get them there keep reading. Neurodivergent children and children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown. As an Adaptive Swim Instructor you will greatly improve this statistic, one lesson at a time. No adaptive swim experience required we will train you. What you do need: patience, creativity, and a genuine love for kids with different behaviors and learning styles. We'll teach you everything else.

This position works primarily during school-day hours. If that fits your life, we'd like to talk.

Adaptive Swim Instructors teach children of all abilities and sensitivities how to swim. In this role, you'll work one-on-one and in small groups with children who have physical, sensory, cognitive, or developmental differences, helping them build water safety skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of swimming — all in a supportive, encouraging environment tailored to each child's individual needs.

Base pay range $15.00/hr - $20.00/hr

• Teach swim lessons to children with a range of abilities and sensory sensitivities, adapting techniques to fit each student's unique needs
• Build trust and rapport with students and their families through patience, consistency, and encouragement
• Complete Angelfish Swim School training (or equivalent adaptive aquatics certification) to learn specialized, evidencebased teaching methods
• Learn and implement Salem Gymnastics & Swim's swim curriculum
• Monitor student progress and communicate updates to parents/guardians
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming pool environment at all times
• Collaborate with fellow instructors and staff to create an inclusive program culture
• This is a parttime position that could lead to a fulltime position based on program demand and job performance.
What We're Looking For
• A genuine passion for working with neurodivergent children and helping them succeed
• Experience working with children (swim instruction experience a plus, but not required) Patience, empathy, and the ability to stay calm and adaptable in the moment
• Willingness to complete Angelfish training and ongoing professional development
• Strong communication skills with children, parents, and team members
• Ability to recognize and respond to sensory sensitivities or behavioral needs with flexibility and care
• Comfort in and around water; swimming proficiency required
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Reliable, punctual, and a team player
Nice to Have:
• Prior experience with special needs populations (ABA therapy, occupational therapy, special education, etc.)
• Background in child development, education, or aquatics
• Sign language or bilingual communication skills
• Lifeguard certification

Why Join Us At Salem Gymnastics & Swim? You'll be part of a team that believes every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and feel confident in the water. You'll receive hands-on training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the families you serve.

At Salem Gymnastics & Swim it is our mission to grow confident children who love to move. Everything at Salem Gymnastics & Swim is grounded in five things that we find to be most important: Quality, Safety, Inclusion, Relationships & Smiles! Our mission, vision and values are our driving force and will be a part of your interview, your training, regular work environment and your performance reviews. If you can relate to these goals and what we find most important we encourage you to apply.