Activity Specialist

YMCA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

retirement benefits

medical

paid time off

free YMCA membership

and more!

Job summary

YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Activity Specialist to provide a safe, positive environment for children and to offer opportunities for learning, interaction, and personal growth within Youth programs.

The role focuses on age-appropriate instruction across physical, cultural, and enrichment areas, with emphasis on teamwork and inclusive values.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• College credits preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with youth, especially in group settings.
• Experience planning and leading activities for youth.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and well-being of participants at all times.
• Plan and implement meaningful age-appropriate activities and events.
• Teach fundamentals of healthy living and fitness.
• Coordinate and present a culminating program at the end of a cycle when applicable.
• Collaborate with staff and school personnel to support participants.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Diversity awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College credits preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Adobe PageMaker

Photoshop

Job description

Salary: $17.00 - $25.00 Hourly 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 Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist who will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for children and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and personal growth. The Activity Specialist will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Youth programs. The Activity Specialist will prepare and provide age-appropriate instruction and activities in physical, cultural, and enrichment areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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 value-based.
• Teach participants the fundamentals of healthy living and fitness, 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 professional staff, teachers, and other program and/or 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 (sign-in/sign-out forms, attendance sheets, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Work with the Youth & Family Director to secure and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for the program activities.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the 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.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for the program 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.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College credits and formal education preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, specifically working with children and planning activities in a group setting.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker, and Photoshop preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits:

• 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.