WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN·Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Adapted Aquatics Instructor provides specialized water-based instruction to students with visual impairments and complex medical needs. They are responsible for developing individualized education programs, ensuring pool safety, and collaborating with support teams to improve student outcomes.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Working Schedule: 189 days per year; Mondays through Fridays from 8:15am to 3:30pm or 7:45am to 3:00pm (36hrs per week). Permanent position.
$35-40/hr depending on experience The Adapted Aquatics Instructor provides specialized swimming and water-based instruction to students who are blind or visually impaired and have additional disabilities and complex medical needs. Instruction focuses on developing water safety, physical fitness, mobility, and confidence through individualized and adapted aquatics activities.
To work closely with the department and program teams to continually improve the program for each student. To implement adapted aquatics program and conduct adapted aquatic program for students with visual and multiple disabilities. To assess individual and group needs in the pool and work/consult with appropriate support personnel to design instruction to meet student needs. To develop and implement individual education programs (IEP) designed to meet the needs of each student. To provide a safe and well organized pool environment. To measure students’ skill attainment and report to parents and education supervisors. To use specialized and adapted materials/equipment and submit appropriate paperwork recommending purchases. To inform and direct instructional aides accordingly. To attend and participate in team meetings, staff meetings and professional in-service and training sessions. To perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Executive Director, or Designee. An Equal Opportunity Employer
PA Instructional Level II Health & Physical Education PreK–12 M.S. in Adapted Physical Activity – Certified Adapted Physical Educator; Certified Disability Sport Specialist American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Physical Demands / Work Requirements: The following physical demands are typical for a role in this setting: Ability to help lift and/or position students when necessary. Must be comfortable with lifting up to 50 pounds from the floor. Ability to lift and carry objects such as equipment, books, stacks of reports, etc, generally items weighing 20 pounds or less. Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, crouching, stooping, kneeling, crawling, sitting, and walking including up and down stairs. Pushing wheelchairs, moving/sliding student equipment. Ability to work in a hot humid environment in therapy pool area and outdoors during student activities and morning and afternoon transportation as needed. Communicate respectfully with multiple team members. Perform maintenance and upkeep of educational areas and therapy areas (i.e. OT/PT gym, clinic room, storage rooms). Assist with student enrichment groups and adapted sports programming as assigned. Ability to read and attend to computer screens. Manual dexterity skills for typing and use of various equipment. Comply with established policies and other duties. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Candidates must hold a PA Instructional Level II Health & Physical Education certification and an M.S. in Adapted Physical Activity. Additionally, an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification is required, along with the physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, classroom teacher openings often draw candidates with early-childhood or childcare experience, especially when child development knowledge and classroom routines are part of the role. These positions can be competitive because employers look for strong organization, communication, time management, and current First Aid/CPR certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm the original posting for any credential or schedule details before applying.
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