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The Harlem YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist.
Job Description
Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.
The Harlem YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Activity Specialist will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school-age children and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate STEM instruction for school-aged children in the Y Afterschool program.
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 a related field are preferred.
- Preference is given to individuals who are already experts in their field (e.g., engineers, programmers, scientists, etc.) or college or graduate students working toward such specialization.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of science, technology, engineering, or math.
- Direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
- Content expert in the designated subject matter.
- General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.
Essential Functions
- Design a comprehensive STEM curriculum using detailed lesson plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives tailored to stimulate interest and engagement across various grade levels. Ensure all lessons are project-based where possible, encouraging hands-on learning and practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
- Incorporate diverse STEM subjects, including potential projects in coding, robotics, engineering challenges, science experiments, data analysis, or other related fields such as chess and strategy games.
- Support Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs.
- Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in science and engineering projects.
- Include scalable activities and modifications to accommodate varying skill levels and learning paces among participants.
- Assessment: Integrate methods for both formal and informal assessment to track participants’ progress and engagement.
- Work with participants throughout the program to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their work. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event.
- Lead and facilitate daily STEM activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment. Actively use activities to support the development of teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills.
- Provide opportunities for participants to research, discuss, and innovate around local and global scientific and technological issues.
- While the primary focus is STEM, the specialist must be prepared to integrate foundational literacy skills (i.e., reading instructions, writing reports, and research) into projects throughout the year.
- 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.
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
- Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.
- Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.
- Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).
- Serve as a positive role model for participants.
- Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
- Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.