Salary: £15.84 to £17.29 per hour
Grade: H
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part Time, 5 Hours per week
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Harrogate Leisure and Wellbeing Hub
Lead, Inspire, and Empower – Join Our Para Swim Coaching Team
North Yorkshire Council is seeking a dedicated and passionate Swimming Instructor to Coach lead our Para Swim Squad at the Harrogate Leisure and Wellbeing Hub. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young swimmers with special educational needs and disabilities.
As part of the Active North Yorkshire team, you will help foster water confidence, build technical skills, and support personal development in a positive and inclusive environment.
About the Role
In this role, you will:
• Plan and deliver engaging and progressive swim sessions for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities
• Work in close partnership with the Head Swim Coach to implement tailored programmes that meet the needs and goals of individual swimmers
• Inspire and motivate swimmers, helping them set and achieve meaningful personal and performance targets
• Attend para galas and support swimmers in competition settings
• Promote a positive, safe, and welcoming environment where all swimmers feel supported and empowered
• Ensure sessions are delivered in line with Swim England guidelines and safeguarding practices
• Liaise with parents/carers to provide feedback and build strong, trusting relationships
Working Hours
All sessions are delivered at Harrogate Leisure and Wellbeing Hub:
• Mondays: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
• Wednesdays: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
• Fridays: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Additional hours for para swimming galas and events may be required on occasion.
What You’ll Bring
Essential Skills & Experience
• Experience working with children and young people with special needs or disabilities
• Ability to adapt coaching to individual swimmer needs and learning styles
• Strong communication, empathy, and motivational skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and health & safety in a pool environment
• Ability to set achievable goals and track swimmer progress
Desirable
• Experience coaching para or inclusive sports
• Familiarity with Swim England's para-swimming guidance
• Creative approach to lesson planning and learner engagement
• ICT literacy for record-keeping and progress tracking
Required Qualifications
• Swim England Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) or equivalent
• Swim England Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualification or equivalent
• Enhanced DBS clearance (mandatory)
• RLSS Pool Lifeguard qualification (preferred)
• Evidence of recent CPD and commitment to ongoing professional development
Why Join Active North Yorkshire?
This is more than a job—it’s a chance to have a lasting impact on the lives of young swimmers.
We offer:
• A flexible, supportive casual working arrangement
• A welcoming and inclusive environment that values your skills and experience
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, including CPD and mentoring
• Access to North Yorkshire Council’s comprehensive benefits, including:
• Local Government Pension Scheme (optional for casual staff)
• Wellbeing and employee support programmes
• Discount schemes and salary sacrifice options
How to Apply
Click Apply Now to complete a short application form and upload your CV.
For more information or an informal conversation about the role, please contact: Gail Foyle, Aquatics Development Manager, Gail.Foyle@northyorks.gov.uk.
Key Dates:
Closing Date: Thursday 31st July
Interviews: Tuesday 5th August.
Key Documents:
Empower every swimmer to achieve their potential—apply now and help lead our para squad to success.
***DBS***
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post. It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults at risk. We are committed to the inclusion, safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of adults at risk.
NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.