Activity Specialist

Children's Aid; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Children’s Aid in New York City seeks an Activity Specialist to lead high-quality instructional and enrichment activities for its afterschool and summer programs. Under the Program Director, you will implement curriculum, plan lessons, manage classrooms, and foster a safe, engaging learning environment for all participants.

The role requires subject-matter expertise in areas such as STEAM, literacy, sports, or arts, with the ability to supervise up to 20 participants and work designated program

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children in the relevant area (e.g., STEAM, literacy, sports, arts).
• Experience in a school setting or afterschool/out-of-school-time program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage groups of up to 20 participants in a structured program setting.
• Develop, plan, and implement lessons aligned with curriculum and project-based learning objectives.
• Lead specialty enrichment activities in areas such as STEAM, literacy, sports, health and fitness, or arts.
• Collaborate with staff to develop and implement program themes and instructional activities.
• Monitor student progress and adapt instruction to diverse learning needs.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development, and trainings.

Skills

Experience with children

Subject-matter expertise

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

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.

Salary: $20 - $25/hr

Children’s Aid Mission

To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high‑needs New York City neighborhoods. Children’s Aid annually serves children and their families at over 40 sites in New York, as well as through three national program models. Children’s Aid is concentrating its efforts on creating cradle‑through‑college pathways in high‑need neighborhoods, with a focus on children’s health, family stability, education, and social and emotional development.

Culture and Values

• We put children, youth, and families first: We listen to and incorporate the voices of children, youth and families in all that we do.
• We seek equity and transformation in our communities: We courageously work within and outside systems to create opportunities for children, youth and families.
• We strive for excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• We are powered by collaboration: Our work is stronger when we trust, partner, and respect each other and the communities we serve.
• We are driven by compassion: We lead with kindness, care, and empathy and believe in the endless potential of the people we serve and our team.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.

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.