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Adaptive Sports Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allina Health

Seasonal Site Coordinator

Golden Valley, MN · On-site

$19.61 - $26.70/hr

Prepare volunteers to be safe, effective and knowledgeable instructors and coaches to meet the ... Bachelor's degree in adaptive physical education, therapeutic recreation, special education, sports ...

Allina Health

Seasonal Site Coordinator

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$19.61 - $26.70/hr

Prepare volunteers to be safe, effective and knowledgeable instructors and coaches to meet the ... Bachelor's degree in adaptive physical education, therapeutic recreation, special education, sports ...

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Adaptive Sports Instructor information

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How much do adaptive sports instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for adaptive sports instructor in the United States is $19.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adaptive sports instructor?

Adaptive sports instructors are professionals who teach and facilitate sports and physical activities for individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. They adapt traditional sports to meet the unique needs of each participant, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. These instructors use specialized equipment and modify rules or techniques to help individuals of all abilities participate and enjoy sports. Their goal is to promote physical fitness, social interaction, and self-confidence among participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adaptive sports instructor?

To thrive as an Adaptive Sports Instructor, you need a solid background in physical education, adaptive sports techniques, and experience working with individuals with disabilities, often supported by certifications like Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports Specialist (CARSS) or Adaptive Sports Instructor credentials. Familiarity with adaptive equipment, safety protocols, and specialized software for lesson planning and progress tracking is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and creativity are vital soft skills for effectively motivating and instructing diverse participants. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, inclusive, and empowering sports experiences tailored to each individual's unique needs.

What are some common challenges faced when teaching adaptive sports, and how can instructors address them?

Adaptive Sports Instructors often encounter diverse participant needs, including varying physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities, which can make lesson planning and group dynamics more complex. Instructors must be creative and flexible, regularly modifying activities and equipment to ensure inclusivity and safety. Building strong communication and trust with participants, collaborating with therapists, and continually updating adaptive techniques are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges and creating a positive, empowering environment.

What cities are hiring for Adaptive Sports Instructor jobs?

Cities with the most Adaptive Sports Instructor job openings:

What states have the most Adaptive Sports Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Adaptive Sports Instructor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Adaptive Sports Instructor jobs?

For Adaptive Sports Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Adaptive Sports Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,021 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Special Needs Swim Instructor

Albany, NY • On-site

Goldfish Swim School
Fitness and Sports Centers • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Goldfish Swim Schoolexternal

$16.50 - $18/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Goldfish Swim School rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 275 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsive recruiter
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

Job Description: Special Needs Swim Instructor
(Golden Learners Program)
Are you looking for a FUN and AMAZING place to work where you can make a real difference? Then look no further!
IF YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT WORKING WITH CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES, YOU'RE AT THE RIGHT PLACE!
Goldfish Swim School is seeking FUN, PATIENT, and ENERGETIC individuals to teach in our Golden Learners Program, designed specifically for children with special needs, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and other developmental or physical differences.
This role requires prior experience working with children with special needs. We provide swim-specific training, curriculum instruction, and ongoing support.
Our mission is to help every child become a confident, life-long swimmer in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment - and we would love for you to be part of that journey.
Position Overview
Special Needs Swim Instructors teach students ranging in age from 4 months to 12 years in a 90-degree, indoor pool, providing individualized instruction tailored to each child's physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory needs.
Looking to fill positions ASAP - hiring process can take less than one week!
What We Offer
  • Paid, specialized training in adaptive swim instruction
  • Weekly pay
  • Consistent, set schedules
  • Part-time and full-time opportunities
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Inclusive, mission-driven work environment
  • Positive and supportive team culture

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide swim instruction using the Goldfish Swim School curriculum, adapting lessons to meet individual needs
  • Work one-on-one or in small groups with children with special needs
  • Use patience, empathy, and structure to support sensory, behavioral, and physical differences
  • Maintain a safe, calm, and encouraging learning environment
  • Ensure student safety at all times
  • Track and document student progress
  • Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding goals and progress
  • Use problem-solving and flexibility to address challenges during lessons
  • Inspect pool areas before and after classes and report concerns
  • Maintain and properly store pool equipment
  • Perform light cleaning duties as needed
  • Attend required trainings and in-service meetings
  • Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications
  • Previous experience working with children with special needs (professional or structured volunteer experience required)
  • Experience may include work with children with autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, or similar developmental or physical differences
  • Ability to remain calm, patient, and attentive in dynamic environments
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and lesson plans
  • Reliable transportation and consistent availability

Preferred Experience
  • Swim instruction, aquatic therapy, or adaptive sports experience
  • Background in special education, ABA therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, childcare, or behavioral support
  • CPR, First Aid, or lifeguard certification (or willingness to obtain)

Core Skills & Attributes
  • Compassion and empathy
  • High emotional intelligence
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Strong observational skills
  • Team-oriented mindset
  • High energy with strong attention to detail

Compensation: $16.50 - $18.00 per hour
Tropical Vibes & Impacting Lives!
You feel it the moment you walk in. There's more than vibrant colors, a tropical theme and happy children. There's something different, something extraordinary. Something truly GOLDEN. It's passionNot just a passion for kids or a passion for swimming...it's a special passion for changing - even saving - lives, by being a part of kids learning to swim.
When you work at Goldfish, you're not just an employee. You're a part of something bigger. You're making an impact; a splash in the lives of the children in your community. You're an integral part of a team, working together to move forward a mission. You're also making waves in your future, learning life lessons in and out of the pool through mentorship, leadership and passion. At Goldfish, it's more than a job - it's an endless pool of possibilities, opportunities and life-changing moments!
Making Waves with Passion, Purpose & Core Values!
At Goldfish, our core values are at the heart of everything we do, and behind every decision that we make. To us, these values are more than just words - they're embraced with purpose in our everyday lives, and what allows us to make a splash in our community, and in the lives of our members and our team!
We go above and beyond with every detail to create a GOLDEN Experience!
We believe in nurturing a culture that provides WOW! Customer Service
We do the right things, make the right decisions and treat people with Integrity • Compassion • Trust
We meet and exceed expectations so you see Extraordinary Results
We make a big deal about life's accomplishments by remembering to Celebrate!
Each Goldfish Swim School is an independently owned and operated franchise. The respective Franchisee is the employer at each Goldfish Swim School location. Each franchisee can set their own wages, benefit programs and terms and conditions of employment, which may vary at each Goldfish Swim School location.

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