Lifeguard

Description

An exciting opportunity to join the Team of a progressive YMCA association located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues to $26+ million.

The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website: http://gscymca.org

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

HOURS: Monday through Friday 4:45 am to 1:15 pm with 1 hour unpaid break during shift.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains active surveillance of the pool area. 

2. Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Completes related reports as required.

3. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state Health Department code.

4. Walks the perimeter of the pool scanning the bottom before taking over the lifeguard stand.

5. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.

6. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.

7. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.

8. Attends all staff meetings and in-service training. 

9. Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.

10. Dresses in Uniform – Required Items: Lifeguard Shirt, bathing suit, whistle, and PPE hip bag.

11. Resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out job responsibilities, ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships, interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity and to maintain appropriate boundaries.

12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Minimum age of 18. 

2. Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen. 

3. Current YMCA or ARC Lifeguard or equivalent. 

4. Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness.

5. Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):  

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Benefits of working full-time at GSC YMCA include:

• FREE family membership to Greater Somerset County YMCA, including full access to all of our branch facilities including Bridgewater YMCA, Hillsborough YMCA, Princeton YMCA, Somerset Hills YMCA, and Somerville YMCA.
• FREE nationwide membership with access to over 2,500 YMCA locations across the country
• Discounted program fees
• Paid sick leave and short-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous 12% retirement contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund after eligibility period (no employee contribution required)
• Medical and dental insurance with prescription coverage
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account for medical and/or dependent care
• 100% contribution towards life insurance and long-term disability
• Optional additional life insurance and dependent life insurance available at low rates
• 403(b) Smart Savings Plan
• Generous paid time off policy
• 7 paid holidays

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.