The Assistant Swim Team Coach supports the mission of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA by helping develop swimmers in a safe, positive, and encouraging environment. This position assists with planning and leading practices, coaching at swim meets, teaching proper stroke technique, and fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. The Assistant Coach serves as a positive role model while helping swimmers reach their individual goals and ensuring a high-quality experience for participants and families.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA, we are committed to strengthening our community every day through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

• We are welcoming – We are open to all and create a place where everyone belongs.
• We are genuine – We value and respect each individual's unique strengths and perspectives.
• We are hopeful – We believe in the potential of every person.
• We are nurturing – We support others in reaching their full potential.
• We are determined – We work together to make our community stronger.

Essential Functions

• Assist the Head Swim Team Coach in planning and conducting swim team practices.
• Coach and motivate swimmers while promoting confidence, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
• Teach proper stroke technique, starts, turns, racing strategies, and overall competitive swimming skills.
• Prepare swimmers for competitions and assist with meet entries, warm-ups, and race-day operations.
• Attend and assist with swim meets and other team functions as assigned.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and positive practice environment.
• Build positive relationships with swimmers, parents, volunteers, and fellow staff members.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding practices, meets, schedules, and team expectations.
• Encourage participant retention and help recruit new swimmers into the program.
• Maintain attendance, records, and other documentation as required.
• Follow all Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA policies, safety procedures, and emergency action plans.
• Complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Model and uphold the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership Competencies

• Collaboration
• Developing Self & Others
• Communication
• Relationship Building
• Emotional Maturity

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 16 years old.
• Previous competitive swimming and/or swim team coaching experience preferred.
• Background in aquatics, including knowledge of competitive swimming techniques and water safety.
• Current YMCA or American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (or YMCA Aquatic Safety Assistant certification) preferred.
• Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certifications required, or must be obtained within six months of hire.
• YMCA Swim Instructor certification (or equivalent) preferred.
• Knowledge of YMCA competitive swimming rules and standards preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach proper swimming techniques.
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, volunteers, and staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to relate effectively to individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Completion of all required YMCA trainings within 30 days of hire, including Child Abuse Prevention, Anti-Harassment, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communication, Slips, Trips & Falls, and Understanding Your Biases.

Work Schedule

This is a part-time position with a consistent seasonal schedule.

Practice Schedule

• Monday through Thursday
• Approximately 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Swim Meets

• One meet per month during the season
• Typically held on Saturdays from approximately 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Additional championship meets or special events may be required based on the team's competition schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move around the pool deck for extended periods.
• Ability to demonstrate swimming techniques in the water.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor aquatic environments with varying temperatures and weather conditions.

The Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where every swimmer can learn, grow, and succeed.