The Coach and Athlete Development Specialist will support the Pathways Department in the delivery of high quality programs across coaching and athlete development areas, through sector expertise and knowledge of athlete development systems and processes. The role will have a specific focus on providing athlete development and technical support activities to WA-based athletes and coaches within the National Flippers Program, in conjunction with the daily training environment (DTE). The Coach and Athlete Development Specialist will also focus on providing coach development activities and system leadership across the sector. 

This is a Fixed Term contract until 30 June 2026.

About Swimming WA

Swimming Western Australia (SWA) is the peak body for competitive swimming in Western Australia with its head office based at Sport HQ in Floreat. Its key stakeholders include Western Australian swimming associations and Clubs, Swimming Australia, the Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (SWIM), Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and other State Swimming Associations.

SWA currently has approximately 80 affiliate clubs and nearly 11,000 members state-wide. Its members include swimmers, coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers, and parents of swimmers. SWA is responsible for the management and development of the sport, from ‘grass roots’ community level participation, through to the elite level. The Association is structured across the operational areas of Participation, Engagement, Performance and Sustainability. 

Core Responsibilities

Performance

• Lead performance activities for WA-based National Flippers Program athletes and coaches
• Liaise closely and regularly with the Swimming Australia National Youth Coach, Swimming Australia Performance Coach Development Lead and WAIS Program Manager to maximise learnings and opportunities for WA coaches and athletes

System

• Provide sector expertise to enhance the capability of the local coaching system
• Lead coach development programs and activities
• Lead the development of advocacy and engagement strategies within the coaching community and external partners

Key Duties

• In collaboration with program partners, lead and deliver the performance components of major camp and competition-based activities for WA-based National Flippers athletes and coaches
• In collaboration with program partners, add value to the daily training environment of WA-based National Flippers athletes through the provision of technical support and learning opportunities for athletes and coaches
• Support coaches within the WA coaching community, at all levels of the sport, through leveraging sector expertise and interpersonal skills
• In collaboration with program partners, lead value-add coach development projects, from innovation to implementation and delivery.
• Lead the implementation and delivery of the Coach Advisory Group
• Support the delivery of equitable processes and criteria for the selection of coaches to Swimming WA roles and programs
• Support the delivery of activities and programs related to the development of athletes and coaches, specifically those within the WA Performance Pathway and Pho3nix JX Programs
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations, as well as industry standards relating to child safeguarding principles and the National Integrity Framework

Essential Criteria

Candidates applying for this role must have the following:

• Demonstrated success in guiding swimming athletes' development from talent development programs to elite competition
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern sport and coaching methodologies, such as long term athlete development and participation systems
• High degree of emotional intelligence
• Sound interpersonal skills with a variety of stakeholders, not limited to coaches and club officials
  High degree of strategic and critical thinking skills
• Sound project management experience and knowledge of basic project management principles
  Values-driven leader whom embodies Swimming WA’s SPIRIT value proposition
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products, not limited to Microsoft Outlook and Excel

Certification Requirements

It is the responsibility of the incumbent, and a requirement of the employment, to ensure that all essential certifications are kept up-to-date and a copy of their certification is provided to Swimming WA. 

These Certifications are:

1. Swimming Australia Coach accreditation and/or license (Advanced or above)
   • Candidates who do not possess a current Swimming Australia Coaching accreditation, such as those operating in performance support roles, may be considered provided they hold appropriate qualifications for the level of athlete and coach this role supports
   • Candidates who do not possess a current Swimming Australia Coaching accreditation must hold valid safeguarding and integrity certifications aligned to Swimming Australia Coaching accreditation requirements
2. National Police Clearance within the last six (6) months
3. Current unrestricted C Class WA Driver’s Licence with access to own car

Desirable Criteria

• TAE 40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Demonstrated experience working across the spectrum of participation and performance swimming programs
• Tertiary education within a relevant field, not limited to sports coaching, sport and recreation management or project management

Hours of Work

• This role will require 38 hours work per week, with hours within the following schedule:
  • Tuesday to Friday within usual business hours
  • Monday to Friday during usual club program training hours
  • Saturday during usual club program training hours
    * Employees will be offered flexible working arrangements and time in lieu in line with Swimming WA policies.
• Attendance at pre-determined Swimming WA events and activities may be required, not limited to Swimming WA Conference, Awards of Excellence and Swimming WA State Championship events
• Intra/Interstate travel will be required; occasional International travel may be required