Aquatics/Swimming Assistant

Chailey Heritage Foundation has an exciting new opportunity for a Aquatics/Swimming Assistant to join a unique place to work.

LOCATION: Onsite

SALARY: £17,550 - £18,541 per annum

HOURS: 32.5 hours, Term Time only. Generally between 8am and 8pm, on a flexible rota, covering 7 days per week

Why Us 

Chailey Heritage Foundation is a leading charity dedicated to providing exceptional education and care for children and young adults with complex neurodisabilities, physical disabilities and health needs. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert colleagues create a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive, reach their full potential and make a difference to their lives and that of their families.

There is a real sense of making a difference and belonging to something very special.

We don’t just offer jobs; we provide opportunities to be part of a team that demonstrates empathy and a genuine passion to help others and a capacity to build rewarding relationships. We will provide extensive support, and training, as well as opportunities for career progression.

What you’ll be doing:

The Aquatics Assistant will facilitate the delivery of our Aquatics programmes (designed by the physiotherapy team at Chailey Heritage Clinical Services) and Aquatics sessions/ operations as part of the school day.

You will provide high standards of delivery, personal care and safety and contribute to supporting our young people achieve their potential.

What you bring to the table:

• Offer support and instruction to our Young People (YP) of differing age groups, needs and ability.
• Evaluate learning outcomes of sessions against Aquatic Curriculum objectives and maintain accurate records of achievements.
• Carry out assessments for recognition of the Chailey Aquatics Awards Scheme.
• When aquatic sessions are unable to take place, work alongside Education Assistants and lead a suitable physical activity as an alternative.
• Be aware of the health and medical needs of the YP, following necessary training, with all interventions required to care for the pupils in a holistic manner to maintain their everyday health care needs.
• Assisting the Young Person (YP) to get ready for swimming.
• Assisting the Young Person (YP) to shower after their session and to support them to get changed and prepared for their next class at School or back home.
• Be aware of the manual handling risk assessments for YP, ensuring all volunteers, poolside staff and Education Assistants are aware of individual pupils needs.
• Liaise with nursing staff about the individual health needs of pupils.
• Ensure daily poolside safety controls, in accordance with Pool Safety Operating Procedures.
• Follow all other health and safety protocols that you can find in the job description daily, to ensure the safety of the young people and colleagues using the facilities.

Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Previous experience within a care setting or working with people with disabilities or complex needs
• Must be a strong swimmer and have the appropriate level of fitness required to maintain the National Pool Lifeguard

Qualification which includes the following:

- Jump/dive into deep water

- Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds

- Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water

- Tread water for 30 seconds

- Surface dive to the floor of the pool

- Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits

• Has a Nation Pool Lifeguard Qualification or willing to work towards one.
• Good awareness of Health and Safety responsibilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and use your own initiative when required.
• Good team work attitude
• Has a passion for aquatics and supporting young people and adults in hydrotherapy and providing high quality of self-care.
• Good communication skills

Other useful skills and experience:

• Previous experience within the leisure industry or within a club setting
• ASA/STA Level 1 or Level 2 Teaching Aquatics
• Previous swimming experience supporting people with disabilities

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about swimming and fitness to make a real difference. Lead our hydrotherapy sessions and transform lives both in and out of the water.

THE REWARDS GO BEYOND SALARY...

Our comprehensive benefits package includes a diverse range of rewards and benefits, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

In addition to a competitive salary, we provide access to:

• Discount facilities
• Enhanced Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Cashplan
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health & Wellbeing Centre
• Death in Service benefit
• Free tea/coffee/kitchen facilities
• Onsite Café
• Free parking.

Plus, we cover the cost for all DBS checks and renewals!

For full details of the role, you can find the job description here. Aquatics Assistant Job Description

Learn more about our organisation, our purpose and values here. CHF Website

Application Deadline: Friday 31st May 2024, we try to offer interviews within two weeks of a successful candidate application.

Apply now for your chance to be considered to join a place where you can make a real difference.

For any enquiries please contact us by email: careers@chf.org.uk or via WhatsApp on 07923233178.

Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and young adults. Employment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for any job in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so.

As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. CHF is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data to meet its obligations under GDPR. Please ensure you have reviewed our privacy policy prior to completing an application with us.