Program Support Assistant Jobs in Salem, VA (NOW HIRING)

Every year, the YMCA's Y Splash program teaches hundreds of local second graders essential water safety skills through engaging classroom activities and hands-on pool experiences. More than just a swim program, Y Splash helps children build confidence, develop healthy habits, and learn life-saving skills that can benefit them for a lifetime.

As the Y Splash Coordinator, you'll play a vital role in making that mission possible. You'll work alongside local schools, YMCA staff, and dedicated volunteers to coordinate and deliver one of the YMCA's most impactful youth programs while helping children discover that the water can be both safe and fun.

The Y Splash Coordinatorsupports the planning, coordination, and delivery of the YMCA's Y Splash water safety program in partnership with local elementary schools. This position serves as the primary liaison between participating schools and the YMCA, coordinates scheduling and program logistics, teaches classroom water safety lessons, coordinates daily in-water programming, supports and manages volunteers, and provides follow-up swim lessons for children identified as needing additional instruction.

Working under the direction of the Aquatics Manager, the Y Splash Program Coordinator plays an important role in helping children gain confidence in and around the water while advancing the YMCA's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

This is apart-time positionaveraging6-10 hours per week during the school year.

Typical program hours include:

• Tuesday-Thursday
• Classroom Instruction: Approximately 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
• Pool Programming: Approximately 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Additional planning, scheduling, volunteer coordination, and communication time may be required throughout the school year.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for participating elementary schools.
• Build positive working relationships with teachers, principals, school administrators, and YMCA staff.
• Coordinate annual program schedules, transportation times, and daily program logistics between participating schools and the YMCA.
• Collect, organize, and maintain student waivers and required program documentation.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, swim assessment results, and program data.
• Communicate professionally with parents regarding follow-up swim lessons and other program opportunities.

• Teach engaging classroom water safety lessons to second-grade students using the YMCA Y Splash curriculum.
• Create a positive, energetic, and inclusive learning environment.
• Reinforce important water safety concepts through age-appropriate activities and discussion.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and volunteers to provide an outstanding educational experience.

• Coordinate the daily operation of the in-water portion of the Y Splash program during assigned program hours.
• Prepare instructional equipment and pool stations before each school group's arrival.
• Coordinate student rotations between instructional stations to ensure smooth and efficient program flow.
• Provide direction, encouragement, and support to volunteers assisting with in-water activities.
• Assist YMCA staff and volunteers in delivering engaging, safe, and effective water safety instruction.
• Administer and document student swim assessments.
• Reset equipment and prepare pool areas between consecutive school groups.
• Teach follow-up swim lessons for children identified as needing additional instruction following Y Splash.

• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, scheduling, training, and supporting Y Splash volunteers.
• Lead volunteer orientation and provide ongoing coaching and encouragement.
• Match volunteers with classroom and pool assignments based on experience and comfort level.
• Help ensure all volunteers complete required background screening, Abuse Prevention Training, and YMCA onboarding requirements prior to volunteering.
• Foster a welcoming, positive volunteer culture that encourages long-term engagement.

• Assist the Aquatics Manager with planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the Y Splash program.
• Represent the YMCA professionally within participating schools and the community.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information.
• Support additional Y Splash initiatives and special projects as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with children in education, recreation, childcare, camps, youth sports, aquatics, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, volunteers, teachers, school administrators, and YMCA staff.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications, or the ability to obtain them within 60 days of hire (YMCA training provided).
• Successful completion of YMCA background screening, Abuse Prevention Training, and all required YMCA onboarding.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, is highly organized, and is passionate about helping young people develop confidence and lifelong water safety skills. They are comfortable teaching groups of elementary-aged children, coordinating volunteers, communicating with schools, and representing the YMCA within the community.

Experience in any of the following areas is a plus:

• Teaching or youth development
• Swim instruction or aquatics
• Volunteer leadership
• Program or event coordination
• School partnerships
• Customer service

YMCA Swim Instructor, American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI), or other aquatic certifications are welcomed but not required. The YMCA will provide program-specific training.

• Ability to lead classroom instruction and actively engage with elementary-aged children.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout classroom and pool environments for extended periods.
• Ability to enter and work comfortably in shallow water.
• Ability to demonstrate basic swimming and water safety skills following YMCA training.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds of instructional equipment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Every year, the YMCA's Y Splash program teaches hundreds of local second graders essential water safety skills, helping children become safer, healthier, and more confident around the water.

As the Y Splash Coordinator, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families throughout our community. Whether you're teaching a child to feel comfortable in the water for the first time, coordinating volunteers who make the program possible, or partnering with local schools to expand access to water safety education, your work will help create safer, stronger, and healthier communities.

If you're passionate about working with youth, building relationships, and making a difference, we'd love to have you join our team.