ACTIVITY SPECIALIST

Hands That Make A Difference Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company parties

Competitive salary

Free uniforms

Job summary

The Activity Specialist at Hands That Make A Difference Inc in New York designs, plans, and facilitates high-quality enrichment activities across STEM, arts, literacy, sports, and more, promoting learning, creativity, leadership, and positive youth outcomes.

You will work with program leadership to create engaging, inclusive environments, develop lesson plans, adapt activities for diverse learners, and ensure safety and compliance with DYCD COMPASS program requirements.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience facilitating activities, teaching, coaching, mentoring, or working with youth.
• Experience in after-school, summer camp, educational, recreation, or community-based programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and enrichment activities.
• Facilitate activities that align with program goals and positive youth development principles.
• Prepare materials, supplies, and resources for daily activities.
• Adapt activities to meet diverse needs, interests, and abilities of participants.
• Maintain a safe and organized activity space and ensure participant safety.

Skills

Facilitation

Youth engagement

Strong communication

Relationship building

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's/Bachelor's in related field (preferred)

Job description

Benefits:

• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Free uniforms

The Activity Specialist is responsible for designing, planning, and facilitating high-quality enrichment activities that promote learning, creativity, leadership, skill development, and positive youth outcomes. Activity Specialists provide instruction and hands-on experiences in a designated content area such as STEM, Arts, Literacy, Sports, Health & Wellness, Leadership Development, Technology, Career Exploration, Performing Arts, or other specialized program areas.

Working collaboratively with program leadership and staff, the Activity Specialist creates engaging and inclusive learning environments that encourage participant growth, active participation, and exploration while supporting the overall goals of the DYCD-funded COMPASS Program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Activity Planning & Implementation

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and enrichment activities.
• Facilitate activities that align with program goals, participant interests, and positive youth development principles.
• Prepare materials, supplies, and resources needed for daily activities.
• Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs, interests, and abilities of participants.
• Ensure activities are structured, engaging, and aligned with established learning objectives.

Youth Development & Participant Engagement

• Build positive relationships with participants and serve as a positive role model.
• Promote participant engagement, creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all participants feel valued and respected.
• Encourage youth voice, participation, and leadership opportunities.
• Support participants in developing confidence, social skills, and personal growth.

Program Operations & Safety

• Maintain a safe and organized activity space.
• Ensure participant safety during all activities, events, and trips.
• Monitor participant behavior and support positive behavior management practices.
• Maintain program materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Assist with special events, showcases, family engagement activities, and field trips.

Compliance & Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain lesson plans, activity records, and program documentation as required.
• Track participant participation and engagement within activities.
• Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and DYCD requirements.
• Report incidents, concerns, or safety issues to program leadership in a timely manner.
• Participate in program assessments, observations, and quality improvement efforts.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with Program Aides, program leadership, and support staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with participants, families, and staff.
• Support family engagement and community-building initiatives.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and collaborative work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or specialized training in a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience facilitating activities, teaching, coaching, mentoring, or working with youth.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, or expertise in a specific content area.
• Experience working in after-school, summer camp, educational, recreation, or community-based programs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong facilitation and instructional skills.
• Ability to engage and motivate youth participants.
• Knowledge of positive youth development principles and practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage groups effectively and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Core Competencies

• Youth Development
• Facilitation & Instruction
• Communication
• Relationship Building
• Creativity & Innovation
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Accountability
• Problem Solving
• Participant Engagement

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and actively participate in program activities.
• Ability to supervise indoor and outdoor activities.
• Ability to lift and transport activity materials and supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to participate in recreational, athletic, and enrichment activities as needed.

Required Certifications & Clearances

• Background Check
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Completion of all required DYCD trainings
• Additional clearances as required by DYCD and organizational policies

Accountability Measures (KPIs)

• Quality and effectiveness of activity implementation.
• Participant engagement, attendance, and participation.
• Completion of lesson plans and activity preparation.
• Positive youth development outcomes.
• Compliance with program policies, procedures, and safety expectations.
• Contribution to overall program quality and participant experience.
• Support of organizational and program goals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hands That Make A Difference is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an environment where all employees, participants, and families are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.