Recreation Assistant

Overview

You will be responsible for delivering swimming lessons at an Active Leeds leisure centre. Key aspects of the post involve developing and delivering lessons for both adult and junior customers, using a variety of teaching methods and utilising our online system. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children\’s or Adults\’ barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people. This role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

Responsibilities

• To provide an effective and efficient lifeguard service in accordance with professional codes of conduct, and corporate policies and procedures.
• To carry out a range of duties to assist in the provision of sport and leisure activities, whilst ensuring customer satisfaction, Health & safety and provide a quality service.
• Administer First Aid as necessary, and as appropriate to your qualification, and report accidents, injuries and incidents as per procedures.
• All duties to be carried out in accordance with current codes of practice, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, COSHH, Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Plans.
• To carry out general cleaning duties, as per the centre\’s cleaning schedules to the agreed quality standards, involving the use of manual and mechanical equipment, whilst complying with safe working practices.
• To erect, dismantle and store equipment in line with the operational programme in a safe and methodical manner.
• To contribute to the performance of the facility, ensuring the centre offers a customer focused service.
• Supervise a range of children\’s activities and parties, ensuring compliance to current child protection policies and procedures.
• To ensure promotion and support of Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety.
• To undertake any other duties, as directed by the supervisor, which may be reasonably required of you, commensurate with your grade and level of responsibility.

Progression Criteria

• To supervise swimming pool activities, identifying potential hazards and taking appropriate action in line with the centre\’s Standard Operating Procedures, Emergency Action Plans, and National Pool Lifeguard guidelines.
• Maintain National Pool Lifeguard qualification, by attending training sessions as per National Pool Lifeguard requirements and Leeds City Council corporate guidelines.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee\’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desired Skills

• Great communication.
• A passion for swimming.
• Enthusiasm.
• A can‑do attitude.
• Responsibility: Hold and maintain the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification/NRASTC or equivalent, as a condition of employment; STA Level 2 Award/Certificate or Swim England Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification.
• Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Able to work on own initiative or as part of a team and with minimum supervision.
• Able to positively contribute to effective teamwork.
• Able to organise and prioritise key duties.
• Able to understand and interpret instructions.
• Able to demonstrate a good level of general fitness.
• Able to motivate self and others.
• Able to adapt to different work situations.

Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge of child protection and welfare issues.
• Experience of working with customers.
• Experience of life guarding duties/tasks.
• Awareness of Health and Safety requirements.
• First Aid Qualification.
• ASA/UKCC Level 2 Aquatics or ASA/UKCC Level 1 Aquatics qualification.
• Gym Instructor NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• Experience of working in a public leisure centre or the private sector industry.
• Experience in the use of specialist lifeguard equipment.

Benefits & Working Conditions

• Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• Range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

Legal & Immigration

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your eligibility for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you\’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.