Swim Instructor - Ellicott City (Dancel)

Now Hiring for Fall 2026

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.

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Swim Instructor 1 is responsible for teaching swim lessons in accordance with YMCA of the USA guidelines, ensuring participant safety, and creating an engaging and supportive environment for all swimmers.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Teach swim lessons based on YMCA curriculum and adapt instruction to meet individual and group needs.

• Ensure the safety of all participants by enforcing pool rules and maintaining supervision during lessons.

• Accurately assess swimmer abilities and provide appropriate progression through swim levels.

• Prepare and set up lesson areas with required equipment and return items to proper storage afterward.

• Maintain consistent attendance for scheduled classes; communicate appropriately and in advance if unable to attend

• Positively engage with participants and encourage skill development in a supportive environment.

• Promote YMCA swim programs to participants and families.

• Support a clean, safe, and inclusive environment for all.

• Demonstrate and uphold the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

 

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement : Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration : Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness : Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team. Effectively creates and manages budgets.

Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth : Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Swim Instructors will meet the qualifications set forth by the Y in Central Maryland. Associates shall be of good character and reputation; capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility. Minimum qualifications include:

 

• Prior swim instruction experience preferred.

• Current certification in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration (O2 within 30 days of hire).

• Preferred: Lifeguard certification.

• Successful completion of the Y in Central Maryland swim test.

• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.

• Completion of required new hire training, including Child Abuse Prevention, before start date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds.

2. While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions.

3. Must be physically able to work in a hot and humid environment with moderate physical exercise.

4. Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking.

5. Will be exposed to cleaning supplies.

6. Will be exposed to pool chemicals 

7. Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time.

8. Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications.

9. Pool safety and instructional equipment, some computer skills required 

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position. They may include a background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check.

 

Additional driver’s license check, CPS, Criminal Background check, alcohol and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and maintain the minimum requirements of this position. 

The Y in Central Maryland provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment. Moreover, the Y is firmly committed to celebrating and achieving diversity and inclusion in all we do. We strive to be an anti-racist organization and expect all associates to treat others with respect, kindness and dignity, at all times. Thank you for considering working for the Y in Central Maryland. If being a part of our cause feels right for you, we hope you will join us.