Job Description

Under the direction of the Aquatic Director, the Swim Team Coach provides personal and social development by developing and improving the technical and physical skills of swimming in a safe and enjoyable environment. This position also assists with the development, organization and implementation of high quality YMCA swim team program(s) in accordance with the YMCA mission, strategic plan, goals and all policies and procedures of the YMCA of Dane County, Inc. and the Y-USA Best Practices.

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides personal and social development for lifetime skills by developing and improving the technical and physical skills of swimming through effective practice sessions. Plans curriculum and manages practice sessions for our most Advanced Swim Team Group.
• Encourages healthy competition through swim meet involvement. Prepares swim meet information, entries and registrations, attends meets, directs and manages warm ups and team discipline for YDC swimmers, provides encouragement and motivation, and manages award distribution.
• Facilitates socialization, participation and interaction of all participants through active involvement in safe, fun and developmentally appropriate activities; provides adaptations based on individual needs and utilizes positive behavior guidance techniques with participants.
• Maintains accountability of all assigned participants at all times by accurately documenting attendance and performing accountability checks regularly.
• Ensures the safety of all members and guests. Knows/reviews all safety rules and emergency procedures. Promotes and enforces safe behaviors and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Completes related reports as required.
• Maintains an organized, healthy and safe environment by returning all supplies and equipment to its appropriate place. Performs required safety, cleanliness and maintenance checks, takes the necessary precautions to prevent accidents, and reports any concerns to supervisor.
• Increases member retention by providing personalized member experiences and building positive relationships with and among members, staff, volunteers and/or guests.
• Creates a supportive and uplifting community environment. Facilitates the development of small communities, helping members to connect with other members. Actively recruits parents to volunteer for social community, hosted swim meets and obtain officials certifications.
• Knows and understands aquatics programs and department policies and is able to clearly explain information to members.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with members, guests, supervisor, and co-workers as needed. Respects the confidentiality of all members, volunteers and staff at all times.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and all required YMCA staff training.
• Supports, participates and promotes employee, volunteer and member engagement in the Annual Support Campaign and other fundraising activities.
• Acts as a positive role model while implementing YMCA healthy living policies, character development and the four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Follows all policies and procedures as set forth in the YMCA of Dane County Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct.
• Facilitate preseason preparation including recruitment of past and new swimmers, promotion, planning of practice schedule, meet schedule, registration forms and process, parent informational meetings and team apparel.
• Develops and prepare Stroke Clinic, Stroke Refinement and Swim Team programs for the Spring and Summer Sessions.
• Maintain current information and parent communication through YDC Web site/Team Unify and family folders. Ensure that swimmers are entered and updated in Team Unify and that all are collected and processed.
• Assist in training and informational sharing with other coaches. Assisting with consistency in YDC Swim Team.
• Active role in preparation and running of home swim meet(s).
• Reports any performance concerns or policy violations to supervisor .
• All other duties as assigned by the Youth Development Director of Swim or Branch Executive

• QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations and guidelines of USA Swimming, YMCA of the USA Competitive Sports, as well as the practices outlined in the Technical Assistance Paper for YMCA Competitive Swimming is preferred.
• Requires ability to professionally and effectively communicate with members, staff and supervisors; maintain confidentiality and exchange accurate information.
• Requires ability to effectively interact with, lead, and motivate members who have a variety of abilities and needs.
• Must demonstrate initiative, strong leadership and communication skills, and have the ability to provide guidance to staff and volunteers with a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain certification level of physical and mental readiness at all times.
• Possess or obtain within the indicated time frame the following certifications/training and keep all certifications current:

• YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid certification upon hire. Safety Training for Swim Coaches YMCA Principals for Swim Coaches, USA Certifications/Training – Foundations of Coaching 101, Foundations, Coaching 201, Athlete Protection Training, USA Background and Annual Non-Athlete Member, Y Orientation, Child Abuse Prevention, and Blood Borne Pathogen training require within 60 days of hire.