Activity Specialist

Children's Aid; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

Children's Aid in New York is looking for an Activity Specialist to lead high-quality instructional and enrichment activities for students. The role requires working knowledge in areas such as STEAM, literacy, and the arts. You will supervise and manage groups, develop lesson plans, and create a supportive learning environment.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, with a preference for a bachelor’s degree, and at least one year of relevant experience. This position offers up to $35.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children.
• Demonstrated expertise in a specific activity area.

Responsibilities

• Lead instructional and enrichment activities for students.
• Manage groups of participants in a structured setting.
• Develop and implement lessons aligned with program curriculum.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.

Skills

Instructional planning

Child and youth development knowledge

Group management

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma, Bachelor's preferred

Job description

$25.00 - $35.00 / hour

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Activity Specialist is responsible for leading high-quality instructional and enrichment activities for students participating in the afterschool and summer programs. This position requires subject‑matter expertise in a specialized activity area such as STEAM, literacy, sports, academic support, health and fitness, or visual and performing arts. The Activity Specialist is responsible for curriculum implementation, lesson planning, classroom management, and fostering a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment for all participants. Must be available to work during designated afterschool and/or summer program hours.

Essential Duties

• Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Supervise and manage groups of up to 20 participants in a structured program setting.
• Demonstrate strong moral, ethical, and professional conduct, serving as a positive role model for youth.
• Develop, plan, and implement lessons aligned with program curriculum, themes, and project‑based learning objectives.
• Lead and instruct specialty enrichment activities requiring specific expertise in areas including but not limited to STEAM, literacy, academic support, sports, health and fitness, and visual and performing arts.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and program staff in the development and implementation of program themes and instructional activities.
• Monitor student progress and performance and utilize engaging, age‑appropriate, and intentional instructional materials.
• Adapt instructional strategies to meet the diverse learning needs and abilities of participants.
• Facilitate and inspire youth‑led projects that promote creativity, self‑expression, and critical thinking.
• Establish and maintain effective classroom management and behavioral expectations.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with children and their families.
• Provide consistent encouragement, guidance, and support to participants.
• Plan, organize, teach, and supervise games and recreational activities.
• Assist with tasks necessary for the overall operation of the program.
• Actively supervise participants during mealtimes, transitions, and off‑site trips.Ensure program equipment and materials are properly signed out, maintained, cleaned, and returned.
• Attend and actively participate in required staff meetings, professional development, and trainings.
• Work cooperatively and professionally with other staff members, school personnel, and program partners.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including leading or supporting special events.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with children in the relevant area of specialization (e.g., STEAM, literacy, sports, academic support, arts).
• Demonstrated expertise or advanced experience in a specific activity area; subject‑matter specialists or practitioners preferred.
• Experience working in a school setting or out‑of‑school‑time program preferred.

Key Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of child and youth development.
• Strong instructional planning and program implementation skills.
• Ability to engage and manage groups of children in a structured learning environment.
• Experience working collaboratively with children, families, and staff.
• Effective communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to adapt instruction to meet diverse learning needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Children’s Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children’s Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children’s Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children’s Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in‑person or hybrid, as determined by the department’s needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department’s processes. The position’s requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.