Recreation Assistant in Leeds

We aim to recruit enthusiastic and motivated people for all aspects of our business. As one of our strongest assets, we focus our attention on the people we employ by providing training and continual development. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

• Experience
• Energetic
• Responsibility

About the role

You will be responsible for the smooth running of the gym environment. Key aspects of the post involve developing programmes for customers, using a variety of technology to influence the member journey as well as ensuring a high level of customer care is achieved.

What we offer you

• A 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
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable 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, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that 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. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying.

Job Purpose:

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 and safety and provide a quality service.

Responsibilities:

• 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 A2:

• 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.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To hold and maintain the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, as condition of employment.

Essential requirements

It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• 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 (relevant) of child protection and welfare issues.
• Experience of working with customers.
• Experience of lifeguarding duties/tasks.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

• 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.

Desirable requirements

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements; however, these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

• Awareness of Health and Safety requirements.
• First Aid 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.