Activity Specialist: Debate (McBurney YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 62,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Medical coverage

Free YMCA membership

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Activity Specialist who will deliver age-appropriate debate instruction within the Y Afterschool program at McBurney YMCA, Manhattan. This part-time role focuses on creating a safe, engaging learning environment that fosters growth and confidence in youth.

The ideal candidate has formal debate certification, two years of youth experience, and proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college credits preferred.
• Minimum of two years of youth experience and ability to plan debate activities.
• Formal certification in debate required.
• General knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and comfort working with diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and well-being of participants with supervision at all times.
• Plan and implement meaningful, age-appropriate activities and events.
• Teach the fundamentals of debate to all grades in the program.
• Coordinate a culminating performance at the cycle's end when applicable.
• Work with Afterschool Counselors, staff, teachers, and program teams.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming environment for all participants.
• Maintain documentation (sign-in/out, attendance, behavior reports).
• Serve as a positive role model and manage program resources.

Skills

Debate instruction

Youth engagement

Communication

Leadership

Diversity awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College credits preferred

Debate certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Activity Specialist: Debate (McBurney YMCA)

Part-Time / Regular

$25.00 - $45.00 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 McBurney YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist who 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 debate instruction for all grades in the Y Afterschool program.

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 debate, 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 Afterschool Counselors, professional staff, teachers, and other program and 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 Site 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 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.
• 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 preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, specifically working with children and planning debate activities.
• Formal certification in debate required.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

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.

Employment Type

Part-Time / Regular

Location

McBurney YMCA, Manhattan, NY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities