Workforce Development Program - Lifeguard/Swim Instructor opportunity

About Swim for Success: A Workforce Development Program

Swim for Success, a pilot IDHS workforce development program that will be taking place at the McCormick YMCA, will address multiple, intertwined needs by creating a direct pipeline for youth into in-demand jobs as lifeguards and/or swim instructors. At the same time, the program will teach life-saving swim and water safety skills, promote physical activity in a safe and supportive environment, create opportunities to interact with a prosocial group of peers, and promote workforce readiness skills that are transferable to jobs in any industry sector. We will be recruiting, employing, and training 10 youth ages 16-20.

The program will remove barriers to participation by providing youth necessary equipment and supplies (i.e., rash guard shirts, course materials), CTA Ventra cards, free instruction and certifications (e.g., American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, YMCA Swim Lessons Instructor certification), and an hourly wage enabling students to “earn while they learn.” This stipend is an important recruitment and retention strategy enabling youth from low-income households to support themselves and their families while participating in the training and workforce development program. Additional benefits to the youth include free YMCA memberships providing full access to Y programs and facilities, including aquatics facilities where they can reinforce their swimming and water safety skills.

Swim for Success is designed to promote multiple youth protective factors that are essential to the health and well-being of underserved youth.

Temporary opportunity from 6/1/2023-9/1/2023.  

Salary range starts at $15.40 per hour

Flexible scheduling opportunities

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Opportunity for eligible employees to participate in the Y's retirement fund 
• Do meaningful work and contribute to the advancement of the YMCA vision by meeting the needs of the people in our communities
• Complimentary Family YMCA membership and a 25% employee discount on select programs
• Career advancement opportunities - grow your career at the Y!

Requirements:

• Must be between the ages of 16-20 years old.
• Must be willing to be work as a lifeguard and swim instructor.  Training will be provided and paid for
• Must succesfully complete water skills assessment. 
• Must successfully complete the certification or have current YMCA or American Red Cross certification as well as current First Aid, AED, CPR and Oxygen Administration certifications
• Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations in order to assure the safety of all swimmers
• Ability to meet physical requirements based on job description
• Some travel may be required between centers - Ventra card will be provided to hires

Child Abuse Prevention: Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required