Health Educator - Aquatics

Salary Rate: $40,750 – Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package!
Location: West End Y
Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Employment Type: Full Time Salaried Regular
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2023
Deadline to Apply: September 29, 2023
Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Aquatics Team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!
The Health Educator provides open access recreational opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. They will strive for inclusiveness through integrated programming in a variety of settings, including but not limited to Aquafit, Family and Adult programming. The Health Educator will assist the Supervisor in overseeing the Aquatic lifeguards / instructors, including providing support in conducting new staff orientations and trainings, and will work directly with preschoolers, children and youth with a variety of abilities on a 1-1 basis striving for complete integration into the scheduled program.
In this role, you will:

• Monitor the safety of all activities and programs throughout the duty period and respond immediately to rectify any safety concerns. Provide direct delivery of instructional programs, recreational programs, preschool gym, youth leadership, programs and volunteer development. Continuously build relationships with all of the staff and volunteers that are on shift during the duty period.
• Actively participate in scheduled programs, meetings and special events; delivers trainings to staff upon request.
• Work as part of a collaborative team, to ensure consistent program delivery in a dynamic environment; identifies any shortage in shift coverage and works with colleagues to ensure any programs or appointments are covered.
• Be present during the entire duty period and circulate through all program areas in rotation to ensure the above stated objectives are being met; must be visible and approachable while on duty and maintain a strong presence to staff / volunteers and the YMCA members.
• Assist in coaching and developing on an ongoing basis; ensuring skills are enhanced and weaknesses diminished.
• Build positive relationships with parents, children and volunteers; provides support as a member of the program team in addressing any issues or concerns, problem solving, etc. and refers to supervisor where appropriate.
• Provides support to supervisors in training all staff and volunteers in operating and emergency policies and procedures. Encourage emergency readiness amongst staff and volunteers; provides support to supervisor in maintaining accurate records of part time staff qualifications with regards to Standard First Aid, CPR “C”, Healthy Child Development, AED Responder, and other qualifications that may apply.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Be responsible for “setting the tone” of the duty period by “touching base” with all staff/volunteer relating to the focus items e.g. values, relationship building, announcements, etc. that have been decided upon by the Membership Programs Department Team.
• Provide direct program delivery in a variety of children’s programs, including providing instruction, leadership and lifeguarding, managing class lists, waiting lists.
• Act as the Designated Operator of the Aquatic Department as outlined in the Ontario Health Regulations 565 during the duty period. In this capacity, deal effectively and professionally with YMCA members’ concerns, program coverage gaps that may arise and any other challenges during the duty period that must be brought to a resolution. Acts as a liaison to the Duty Officer with respect to any program inquiries; act as Duty Officer when necessary.
• Participate and demonstrate leadership in all mandatory trainings and participation and delivery of all other mandatory trainings to staff group upon request. Self-manages professional development and ensures timely renewal of certifications as required.

You bring:

• YMCA Aquatic Fitness Certification or equivalent preferred
• Post-secondary education in Physical Education, Recreation Leadership, ECE diploma or related field preferred
• Completed and current specialized Certifications include:
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Minimum 6 months experience working with children
• Standard First Aid & CPR “C”
• Flexibility regarding assigned hours of work including days, evenings and weekends
• National Lifeguard Service Award
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
• YMCA and/or Red Cross / Lifesaving Instructor certification preferred
• Current WHMIS certification preferred
• Excellent written communication skills

What you need to succeed:

• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter
• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services

Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.