Activity Specialist - Teens (Ridgewood YMCA)

The Activity Specialist will provideva safe and positive environment for teens/youth to provide opportunities for academic/personal growth.
Job Description

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all. 

The Ridgewood YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist who, under the supervision of the Program Director, will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Saturday Night Lights program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for teens/youth, to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and provide age-appropriate teen activities and instruction in teen programming.

Benefits:
The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply:
If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

Qualifications
  • High School diploma or equivalent required. College credits and formal education in adolescence preferred.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, specifically with teens.
  • Current certification in First Aid/CPR required.
  • General Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker, and Photoshop preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable with working with diverse youth and adults.
Essential Functions
  • Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.  
  • Plan and implement meaningful activities and special events that are age-appropriate, exciting, challenging, and values based in Teen Development.
  • Teach participants the fundamentals of sports, including activities that build their level of skill and confidence.
  • Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.
  • Work cooperatively with Teen Advisors, professional staff, teachers, and other program and school staff.
  • Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
  • Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
  • Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
  • Serve as a positive role model for participants.
  • Work with the Program Director to secure and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for Saturday Night Lights.
  • Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Saturday Night Lights Program to participants and care givers.
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas of growth.
  • Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for teen activities.
  • Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
  • Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.