Definition
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The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor is a non-professional working in the care, treatment and supervision of individuals in a recreational facility for individuals with developmental disabilities that includes a swimming pool, wading pool, whirlpool, and gymnasium.Â
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The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor performs basic non-professional work in the personal instruction and care, activity therapy, education, physical therapy, swimming lessons, safety, socialization and related areas. This employee assists in the implementation of group and individual program plans, including Rivendale classes; contributes to the development and maintenance of a therapeutic environment; and establishes effective interpersonal relationships with each participant, co-workers, parents and/or guardians and other members of the training team.
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Work involves responsibility for observing and supervising individuals while in the swimming pool area, maintenance of the swimming pool and activities building, individual client care, reporting information concerning the physical, mental, and behavioral condition of the participants and for assisting in the maintenance of necessary records and reports to document these observations. Close supervision or direction is received from the Director of Education & Recreation.
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Essential Job Functions
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Directly supervises and monitors all swimmers when the swimming pool is in use.
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Demonstrates a working knowledge of the swimming pool policy (Arc of the Ozarks Policy 1.302
& 4.408) and ensures that it is implemented by all users of the swimming pool area.
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Informs the Director of Education & Recreation of needed repairs and replacement items for the
building and pool area so they can be requisitioned.
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Assists with maintenance of the swimming pool including: maintaining the pool area with a clean
appearance, filling the pools as needed to maintain water levels, testing the water to insure a proper
balance between all chemicals, starting dehumidifiers at the proper times, and securing the pool area when not in use.
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Observes, reports and assists in recording changes in the physical condition, behavioral response, and emotional status of each person using the swimming pool.
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Assists in maintaining the pool office and locker rooms with a clean and neat appearance.
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Shuts off all lights (gym, pool, kitchen, hall) and locks all doors before closing the activities building.
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Provides assistance and training to assigned individuals in dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, and other activities of daily living.
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Assists in providing basic health care for participants, takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration when necessary.
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Notifies appropriate department supervisor after detecting early signs of sickness, such as, vomiting, flushed face, diarrhea, fever, etc.
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Takes appropriate action per Arc of the Ozarks policy in case of emergencies, such as, behavioral crises, swimming accident, tornado, fire and/or disaster.
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Preserves the rights of all participants and treats them with dignity in a humane manner.
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Checks equipment used in the swimming pool and gymnasium on a regular basis to insure that they are in good repair.
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Attends and participates in continued in-service training.
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When the pool is not in use, serves as a back-up to staff in the day care, skilled care and recreation
programs.
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Maintains effective working relationship with all participants, supervisors, and other Arc of the Ozarks staff.
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Facilitates good communication with parents and guardians of all individuals served.
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Performs related work as assigned.
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Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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Certified in first aide, CPR, and as a lifeguard.
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Working knowledge of The Arc of the Ozarks policies governing the use of the swimming pool and gymnasium.
Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion.
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Ability to work varied and flexible hours, accept and adapt to changes in assignments, methods, policies, etc.
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Ability to work with and respect persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.
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Working knowledge of elementary behavior modification techniques.
Ability to apply basic skills required in habilitation programs.
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Ability to maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for participant care and recreational activities.
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Ability to accurately report and record observations.
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Ability to understand and follow directions.
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Minimum Experience and Training Qualifications
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Must be a minimum of eighteen years of age and possession of a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalent. Certification in First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard training. Have at least 1 year experience teaching group and individual swim lessons and swim classes. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.Â