Job Description

Lifeguard

POSITION SUMMARY
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Lifeguards are primarily responsible for preventing drownings and injuries from occurring. Lifeguards must be able to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. The Lifeguard creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas. In accordance with YMCA policies and procedures, lifeguards will ensure safe and quality program operations that promotes the five core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith as well as upholds our service standards of welcoming, connecting, supporting, and inviting. Regardless of primary assignment, this position is expected to rotate between all YMCA pool locations.

LOCATION

SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA
200 Y Blvd
Rockford, IL

Northeast Family YMCA
8451 Orth Rd
Loves Park, IL

OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.

• You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Maintains constant and vigilant surveillance of the pool area and remains free of distractions while on the stand. Participates in ongoing training in visual surveillance and hazard detection.
2. Be a positive YMCA role model for the entire aquatics program by modeling:
   • The YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility & Faith
   • The YMCA service standards: We Welcome, We Connect, We Support, We Invite
3. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the “safe-in-six” model; completes related reports as required.
4. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.
5. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
6. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
7. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
8. Performs equipment checks and reports equipment issues and/or shortages to supervisor.
9. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions upon arrival, including but not limited to water clarity, temperature, lighting, and/or on-deck hazards.
10. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and notifies on-call supervisor as needed.
11. Attends all mandatory staff meetings and trainings as required, and regularly achieves four hours of skill practice per month with continued exposure to drowning scenarios.
12. Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants, and fellow staff.
13. When not on active surveillance duty, assists with maintaining pool and deck cleanliness as well as other duties as needed.
14. Meets attendance and punctuality requirements as outlined in the department handbook.
15. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
16. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 15 years old required.
• Certifications required upon hire: Basic Life Support, Basic First Aid, Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen, and YMCA Lifeguard (or ARC). Training provided prior to hiring. If ARC certified, YMCA Lifeguard crossover course to be completed within 120 days.
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• YMCA’s I Hear You: Service with CARE and Redwood’s The Professional Lifeguard e-learnings to be completed within 120 days.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

8 Positions

Position 1
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA
Availability for shifts 5-9AM Monday-Friday, plus availability for a minimum of one rotating weekend shift
Willingness to sub depending on candidate availability
$15.00 per hour

Position 2
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Northeast Family YMCA
Monday 8-10:45AM, Tuesday 5-9AM, Wednesday 8-10AM, Thursday 8:30-10:30AM, Friday 5-9AM, plus availability for a minimum of one rotating weekend shift
Willingness to sub depending on candidate availability
$15.00 per hour

Position 3
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA
Tuesday and Wednesday 8:45AM-1PM, Thursday 12:45-5PM, plus availability for a minimum of one rotating weekend shift
Willingness to sub depending on candidate availability
$15.00 per hour

Position 4
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA
Tuesday through Friday 12:45-5PM, plus availability for a minimum of one rotating weekend shift
Willingness to sub depending on candidate availability
$15.00 per hour

Position 5-6
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA or Harlem High School
Weeknights and Weekends, Shift Times Vary
Willingness to sub depending on candidate availability
$15.00 per hour

Positions 7-8
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Northeast Family YMCA or Harlem High School
Weeknights and Weekends, Shift Times Vary
Willingness to sub depending on candidate availability
$15.00 per hour

*Candidates will be contacted by email*

Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

ALL STAFF BENEFITS:

• Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
• Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
• Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
• Employee Crisis Fund
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
• Tickets At Work Discount Program
• 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
• 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
• For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.

FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS:

• Free Family Membership
• 3 Paid Floating Holidays
• 10.5 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type
• Short-Term Disability Program
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required
• Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications

PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS:

• Free individual Membership
• Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility

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