Aquatics Specialist

Under the direction and supervision of the Aquatic Director this position will observe swimmers, protect life, prevent accidents, enforce regulations, and do related work as required. This person will make sure that the swimmers are provided a pleasant, safe, and stimulating experience.

POSITION TITLE: North & Central Illinois Division / Aquatics Specialist (Part-Time)

LOCATION/DEPT: Kroc Center

REPORTS TO (TITLE): Aquatics Director

DEPARTMENT MISSION

To assist in accomplishing the mission of The Salvation Army through a safe, enriching and sacred environment where all individuals have access to opportunities to reach their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential. The Vision of the Chicago Kroc Center is to touch individuals, families and seniors of the Southside with: Building Community, Motivating Wellness, Encouraging Excellence, Teaching Character, and Inspiring Faith.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Guest Services
   1. Interact with guests in a manner that ensures the most enjoyable experience for all RJKCCC guests.
      1. Direction and answers to questions is provided, as needed.
      2. Maintain a professional attitude and approach to problem solving.
   2. Provide oversight to the day-to-day activities of the aquatics programs and facilities.
   3. Maintain all public and restricted areas in a neat and clean fashion
   4. Maintain activities on schedule ensuring that events and activities begin and end on time.
   5. See that all equipment assigned to the aquatic facilities is maintained and properly utilized.
      1. Follow and enforce equipment checkout program.
      2. Report defects, necessary repairs, etc.
   6. Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policies and Procedures.
   7. Maintain the Code of Ethics policy established for the Kroc Center.
   8. Assist and direct Guests in moving about the facility to avoid crowded conditions and maximize service efficiency.
   9. Incoming calls must be answered quickly and politely, basic questions answered or more in-depth inquiries referred to an appropriate staff member.
2. Maintain a safe working environment.
   1. Ensure Guest safety by immediately correcting and/or reporting any potentially unsafe conditions.
   2. Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policies and Procedures.
   3. Report all harmful problems with facilities to the Aquatics Manager.
      1. Ensure liability injuries are reported timely and according to procedure.
      2. Generate legible and accurate accident and incident reports as required.
   4. Report any suspicion of Child Abuse to the appropriate supervisor and Child Protective Services.
   5. Coordinate response and direction to members in emergency situations.
3. Leadership to Swim Team
   1. Providing instruction following the ARC Learn To Swim and Authorized Provider guidelines, as well as any RJKCCC site specifics.
   2. Coaching and involvement with the center swim team: both practices and swim meets.
   3. Timely filing of all rosters and attendance sheets.
   4. Adhering to proper safety guidelines when teaching and coaching.
   5. Providing care and security for all instructional and competitive equipment used on site.
   6. Prompt reporting of any safety, security and personnel issues when they arise.
   7. Working as a team member with management and coordinators.
4. Work in a cooperative manner with the other staff of the RJKCCC programs, discussing any problems that may be occurring with the Aquatics Director.
5. Refer guests with spiritual needs or questions to appropriate officer/pastor.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

• A High School Diploma preferred
• Must have experience as a lifeguard or similar position.
• Minimum age of 16 preferred.
• Possession of current certifications in American Red Cross First Aid or First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title22) or above; CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPR Pro), and Lifeguard Training. Equivalent training certificates may be accepted.
• Water Safety Instruction Certification (WSI) Required.

COMPENTENCIES:

• Must have the ability to swim with proficiency and endurance. Must successfully complete a 200-yard swim in less than 5 minutes, tread water for 2 minutes (no hands) and retrieve a 10 lbs. dive brick from the bottom and swim 10 yards with it.
• Knowledge of basic swimming techniques and ability to teach swimming to all age groups
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self- starter.
• An attention to detail.
• A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations/priorities.
• Have a philosophy of education and child development, which is consistent with that of the Center and The Salvation Army.
• Have the ability to work with children, parents, and staff in a capacity of leadership, counseling and education including but not limited to:
  • Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children of all ages.
  • Sensitivity to children's individual needs.
  • Ability to use appropriate positive discipline consistently.
  • Ability to handle security and crisis situations, calmly.
  • Ability to seek supervision and use it consistently.
  • The capability to teach swimming to all age groups.
  • A willingness to promote the mission of The RJKCCC.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is required to do light to heavy physical work and must be able to lift and carry 40 pounds.

In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use equipment used in an aquatics program.

The work environment for this position includes an office and outdoor/pool environment with a low to high noise level.

This individual must wear standard apparel as prescribed by the Aquatics Director.