Job description

Location: Various locations throughout 5 boroughs

The programs typically run from 3-6pm during the week. Not all sites run M-F.

Hourly rate of pay: $18-$22/hour

Activity Specialists are needed for a program that seeks to bridge the opportunity gap among students in high-need communities by extending the school day and year with wholesome, skill-building activities designed to improve New York City children’s academic performance, health and wellness, attitude towards school, self-confidence, character and values, and opportunity for lifelong employment.

The Activity Specialists work directly with participants, overseeing content-specific after-school activities including arts, literacy, sports, STEM etc. They have content-specific knowledge and experience working with school-aged youth. Activity Specialists are responsible for supervising and leading a group of students in the programs while promoting their physical, intellectual, social, cultural and emotional well-being. They also participate in activities and trips while providing and maintaining a safe working environment.

Activity Specialists must embrace positive child and youth development principles and practices. These include building on youth strengths rather than focusing on youth deficits; setting and maintaining high expectations; understanding the centrality of and fostering positive relationships with peers and adults; providing age-appropriate and challenging programming; engaging participants as partners, not just as consumers of services; promoting positive identity formation and helping young people to fully develop their potential. Activity Specialists respect and value the cultures and traditions of participants, their families and their communities, and treat all participants and staff equally, irrespective of race, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age or disability. They must appreciate the range of abilities and diverse needs of children and youth in the programs.

Essential Job Functions include:

  • Leads activities with youth in a specific area of expertise, based on established curriculum
  • Motivates students to be active and participate in activities
  • Ensures daily activity lesson plans and projects are structured, age-appropriate, and have clear learning goals based on the provided curriculum
  • Establishes and enforces rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible
  • Organizes, leads, and promotes the students’ interest and participation in the activities offered by the programs
  • Provides homework help to students
  • Greets new arrivals to the program, introducing them to other students, explaining rules, and encouraging participation
  • Fosters an atmosphere of fun and learning and serves as a role model to youth, always conducting him/herself in the utmost professional manner and maintaining appropriate boundaries
  • Promotes positive character development in all youth
  • Explains principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in the activities, and demonstrates proper use of materials and equipment
  • Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students
  • Prepares facilities for group activities
  • Evaluates activities to determine if they are producing the desired results
  • Adapts teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests. Promotes and ensures the progressive development of student skills
  • Adapts each activity to ensure safe participation in the space provided

What you need to have

Skills

Must be responsible, reliable and punctual! Bilingual proficiency is a plus * Must have passion for New York Edge mission and demonstrated interest in the field of education and youth development. * Strong academic skills in Math and English. Knowledge of New York State standards and test preparation. Demonstrated interest in the field of education, child development Well organized, able to work both independently and collaboratively * Able to work late afternoons and/or evenings. After-School hours can span from 2:50pm-6:50pm, with most programs running from 3-6pm.

Prior experience & qualifications
  • HS diploma required. AA or BA in progress preferred
  • A minimum of two years direct experience working or volunteering with youth under 13 in a classroom, after school, or community-based environment.

At time of offer and acceptance, the job requires safety and security clearances through the Department of Education and Department of Health. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Languages
This opportunity requires fluency in English