Temporary Part-Time Youth Swim Instructor (American Red Cross Certified or YMCA of USA Certified)
Job Description
OVERVIEW
Established in 2003, Mercy Street exists to cultivate mutually transforming relationships with inner-city youth through Christian mentorship. Our vision is to create a multicultural, multiethnic, multigenerational movement of God’s people that work together for his glory and the good of the city and beyond. Our outreach efforts are through sports, mentoring, youth leadership initiatives, K-5 after-school enrichment programming, and summer day camp for K-5 students in West and South Dallas.
The Temporary Part-Time Youth Swim Instructor is responsible for teaching safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate swim lessons to children and youth of varying skill levels. The instructor will follow Mercy Street Learn-to-Swim curriculum standards, promote water safety, and create a positive learning environment that encourages confidence, skill development, and enjoyment of aquatic activities.
The ideal candidate is energetic, dependable, patient, and passionate about helping children learn life-saving swimming skills while maintaining a safe aquatic environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach group and private swim lessons to youth ages 3 years through 99 years using Mercy Street Learn-to-Swim guidelines.
- Assess participant skill levels and provide instruction appropriate to individual abilities.
- Develop lesson plans and conduct classes that promote water safety, stroke development, and swimming proficiency.
- Maintain a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
- Monitor student progress and provide feedback to participants and parents/guardians.
- Enforce facility rules, safety procedures, and emergency action plans.
- Maintain accurate attendance, progress records, and incident reports as required.
- Assist with swim evaluations, aquatic events, and special programs.
- Inspect instructional equipment before and after classes and report any safety concerns.
- Communicate professionally with participants, parents, staff, and community partners.
- Teach group and private swim lessons to youth ages 3 years through 99 years using Mercy Street Learn-to-Swim guidelines
- Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and in-service sessions.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification or YMCA Swim Instructor Certification.
- Minimum age of 16 years.
- Ability to demonstrate all required swim strokes and water skills necessary for instruction.
- Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification
- Experience teaching or working with children and youth preferred.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as program schedules require.
- Ability to safely enter and exit the pool and remain in the water for extended periods.
- Lifeguard certification.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
- Experience serving diverse youth populations.
- Prior experience with community-based aquatics programs
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to swim proficiently and demonstrate all instructional skills.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to work in humid, outdoor environments.
- Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
PERKS OF SERVING WITH US
- 10–25 hours per week.
- Flexible schedule including mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and seasonal programming.
- Competitive hourly wage based on certifications, experience, and program needs.
- Work in a fun, faith-filled environment.
- Opportunities to grow in leadership, ministry, and youth outreach.
- Be a part of a mission that transforms lives – in and out of the water.
MISSION-FOCUSED EXPECTATIONS
All roles with Mercy Street are first and foremost considered to be a Minister of the Gospel.
This position furthers Mercy Street’s religious mission by:
- Following Jesus Christ and setting an example for others through their lifestyle.
- Exhibiting a passion for learning and sharing the Gospel with others.
- Agreeing to the Mercy Street Statement of Faith.
- Demonstrate a commitment to youth development and water safety education.
- Treat all participants with dignity, respect, and inclusion.
- Serve as a positive role model for children and families.
- Support the organization's mission, vision and the Mercy Street Way.
Full job description available on the employer's site.