Careers
Come change lives with us
We teach autistic, ADHD and sensory-sensitive kids to swim, in two private indoor pools, with a method that starts with consent. This page previews the job the way a lesson previews the water — so you know what you're agreeing to before you apply.
What's in it for you
✓ $20–$30 an hour, based on experience
✓ Part-time, 20–30 hours a week. Weekends required.
✓ Paid training and mentorship in the Backfloat to Breathe™ method — 100+ hours before you work with a child alone
✓ Work that matters: confidence, safety and joy in the water for kids other programs gave up on
✓ A supportive, compassionate team
✓ Room to grow into leadership and coaching roles
✓ A neurodivergent-friendly workplace built on acceptance and belonging
What you'll bring
· A real interest in neurodivergent kids and their families
· Respect for neurodiversity and child development. Knowing about autism, ADHD, sensory processing and emotional regulation helps.
· Comfort in the water. Teaching or competitive swimming experience helps but isn't required — we train the method.
· The ability to build trust, connection and emotional safety
· A calm, flexible, growth-minded way of working
What you'll do in the pool
· Teach playful, engaging lessons for ages 3 months through adults
· Keep the room calm, using sensory-aware and co-regulation practices
· Teach water safety and swim skills with the Backfloat to Breathe™ curriculum
· Adapt every lesson to the swimmer's developmental, emotional and sensory needs
· Build relationships with swimmers, families and teammates
· Track milestones and help families understand progress
· Keep pools, equipment and teaching spaces clean and organized
· Keep learning: ongoing training, mentorship and professional development
· Bring patience, playfulness, curiosity and care to every interaction
Requirements
· At least 18 years old
· Pass an Oregon Child Care Division background check
· Lifeguard, CPR/AED and First Aid certifications — completed by the end of training (we help you get them)
What the environment is like
Active, hands-on work in a warm indoor pool — several hours of each shift in 93-degree chlorinated water. The air is humid. The room echoes, and it is sometimes loud, with sudden sounds. The decks are wet. The work is physical, emotional and mental, all at once. If that sounds like a good day, keep reading.
Typical hours
Monday–Thursday · 3:00–8:00 PM
Saturday · 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday · 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Weekend availability is required.
Our values
The same seven we show families. Read them on our About page →
Consent first.
We ask before we touch, and we tell you before we do.
Fear is information.
A child who is afraid has assessed the danger correctly. We don't argue them out of it.
Regulation before instruction.
Nervous systems co-regulate. A calm coach is the first lesson.
Staff are held the way kids are held.
Thriving wages, 100+ hours of training, two years beside a senior instructor.
Neurodivergent-led.
Zen Penguin was built by neurodivergent teachers, and that shapes everything.
Cost shouldn't decide who learns to swim.
Our scholarships are funded by the families who swim with us.
Small on purpose.
Private pools, tiny classes, the same coach every week.
What happens after you apply
Step 1
We reply
A person reads every application and replies within a week.
Step 2
A short call, then a visit
We talk, then you come watch a lesson at one of the pools.
Step 3
Paid training
100+ hours in the method, then two years beside a senior instructor.
Apply
Every field marked “required” is required. We read everything you send. Your information stays with us — see our Privacy page.
Try one lesson.
Your child meets their coach.
You talk about how they learn, what they're nervous about, what they love.
Then they get in the water — or sit at the edge, whatever they feel ready for.
By the end, you'll know if Zen Penguin is right for your family.
If it is, we find you a weekly spot!
Questions first?
Zen Penguin Swim School
Sensory-friendly swim lessons for ages 3 months to adults, in two private indoor pools in Portland and Clackamas. Built by neurodivergent teachers.
Need a human?
[email protected]
We answer within two business days.
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