Goldfish Swim School - Strongsville·Strongsville, Ohio
Provide individualized swim instruction to children with special needs using a specialized curriculum. Maintain a safe, encouraging environment while tracking student progress and communicating goals to parents.
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Free uniforms Health insurance Training & development Vision insurance Job Title: Special Needs Swim Instructor Reports to: General Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Make a Difference — One Swimmer at a Time.
Are you passionate about working with children of all abilities? Do you want a rewarding career where you can help children build confidence, independence, and life-saving water safety skills in a supportive environment?
Goldfish Swim School is seeking patient, energetic, and compassionate individuals to join our Golden Learners Program, designed specifically for children with special needs including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and other developmental or physical differences.
If you love helping children succeed and thrive, we’d love to have you on our team.
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 Opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day Position Overview
Special Needs Swim Instructors teach children ages 4 months to 12 years old in a warm, 90-degree indoor pool environment. Instructors provide individualized swim instruction tailored to each child’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory needs.
This role requires previous experience working with children with special needs. Goldfish Swim School provides swim-specific training, curriculum instruction, and ongoing support.
Key Responsibilities Provide swim instruction using the Goldfish Swim School curriculum while 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 and guardians regarding goals and progress Use flexibility and problem-solving skills to address challenges during lessons Inspect pool areas before and after lessons 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 required (professional or structured volunteer experience accepted) Experience may include working 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 preferred Goldfish Swim School can provide certification training for qualified candidates 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 Ready to Join Our Team?
We are hiring immediately, and the hiring process can take less than one week!
Join a team where you can truly make a lasting impact in children’s lives while building meaningful relationships with families and coworkers every day.
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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.'
Previous professional or structured volunteer experience working with children with developmental or physical differences is required. Candidates must be patient, attentive, and have reliable transportation.
Market context
In Ohio, special needs swim instructor roles typically draw candidates with child-focused experience and comfort in structured, safety-first settings. These positions are competitive because employers look for calm communication, patience, and prior work with children with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, or similar needs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show specific safety and support experience.