Pool Aide (Erie)

Overview:As a Pool Aide with the Aquatics Department of the Barber National Institute, you will provide direct, hands-on support to Elizabeth Lee Black School students during scheduled pool activities. You’ll help students safely access and participate in aquatic recreation, active play, and adapted activities while supporting their individual needs, abilities, and comfort.
In this role, you’ll work under the direction of the Director of Aquatics and in coordination with school staff and certified lifeguards. You’ll help create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive pool environment that promotes participation, independence, confidence, and positive experiences in the water. This is a non-lifeguard support role and does not involve independent aquatic instruction, therapy, or lifeguard rescue duties.
What You’ll Bring:• Ability to swim and safely provide hands-on assistance to students in the water• Understanding of basic water safety and pool rules• Ability to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and mobility, communication, or sensory needs• Patience, empathy, and a calm approach when supporting students who may be anxious or overwhelmed• Ability to follow individualized support plans, safety procedures, and staff direction• Strong communication and teamwork skills• Ability to recognize changes in participation, fatigue, discomfort, distress, or behavior and promptly seek assistance
What You’ll Have:• High school diploma or equivalent required• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism preferred• Experience in adapted recreation, school-based support, direct support, or aquatic programs preferred• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications required and must be maintained• Related experience or credentials in adaptive recreation, direct support, nursing assistance, de-escalation, or water safety are a plus• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, child abuse clearances, fingerprinting, and other agency-mandated clearances
A Typical Day May Include:• Providing individualized in-water assistance to assigned students• Supporting safe entry into and exit from the pool and movement between activity areas• Helping students participate in aquatic recreation and active play based on their abilities, interests, communication styles, and sensory needs• Using positive support strategies, clear cues, and respectful communication to reinforce pool safety and behavioral expectations• Closely observing assigned students and communicating changes in participation, fatigue, distress, or behavior to appropriate staff• Using approved adaptive equipment and assistance techniques within your assigned responsibilities• Alerting certified lifeguards and following established emergency procedures when needed• Preparing, cleaning, and storing recreation materials and adaptive equipment• Maintaining accurate participation, support, and incident records• Communicating student needs and observations with Aquatics and school staff to support consistent care and safe transitions• Helping maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming pool environment