Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 40,000 people, most of them teachers.  CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.  Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
 
Located within the Office of Teaching & Learning, the Health & Physical Education Department manages all CPS Aquatics programs for student participation in both high school and elementary-level aquatic activities. CPS Physical Education programs provide all students, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity, opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally in controlled, safe activities both inside and outside of the traditional classroom. 
 
Job Summary: 
Under the general supervision of the school Principal, the part-time/seasonal Lifeguard will ensure the safety of patrons in an assigned aquatic facility. This position will follow established procedures to respond to and prevent emergencies. This part-time/temporary Lifeguard position will be compensated for time worked at a pay rate of $18.00 per hour. The work schedule for this role will consist of an estimated 20 hours per week for an anticipated period of 10 months beginning in September 2024 and ending in July 2025. Due to the part-time/seasonal nature of this position, this role is not eligible to receive CPS benefits. This role will report to the Program Manager, Aquatic Safety.
 
 
The Part-Time/Seasonal Lifeguard will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
 

• Supervise swimming activities at the aquatics facility 
   
• Warn swimmers of improper or dangerous activities and behavior
   
• Ensure that policies, guidelines, and safety procedures are followed
   
• Enforce pool regulations and water safety policies
   
• Administer first aid in the event of injury
   
• Rescue swimmers in distress or danger of drowning; administer CPR and/or artificial respiration, if necessary
   
• Evaluate conditions for safety and initiate aquatics emergency action plan as required
   
• Inspects pool facilities, equipment, and water to ensure that they are safe and usable
   
• Other duties as assigned
   

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Part-Time/Seasonal Lifeguard must possess the following qualifications: 
 
Education/Certifications Required: 
 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required
   
• The following certifications are required:
   
• Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate, or equivalent
   
• American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, or equivalent
   
• American Red Cross Standard First Aid, or equivalent
   

 
Experience Required: 
 

• Minimum of six (6) months of related work experience as a lifeguard
   

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
 

• Ability to evaluate water conditions at aquatics facilities
   
• Ability to adjust programs as necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and other staff
   
• Ability to judge and evaluate evolving dynamics of individuals participating in aquatic activities to immediately assess their capabilities and threats to their safety
   
• Knowledge of on-site protocols, operational procedures, and safety policies
   
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for providing on-site emergency medical services
   
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as necessary to communicate important information and/or direction to a wide variety of audiences, including staff, students, and others.
   

 
 
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
 

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
   
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.