Activity Specialist, Early Life COMPASS Elementary

Lutheran Social Services of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Lutheran Social Services of New York seeks an Activity Specialist for the Early LIFE COMPASS Elementary program in the Bronx. This part-time role supports after-school learning, leads enrichment activities, and helps create a safe, inclusive learning environment for school-age children.

Responsibilities include supervising students, delivering engaging activities in arts, STEAM, and more, coordinating with teachers, and promoting social-emotional learning while maintaining licensing and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with school-age children in classroom, camp, or youth development setting.
• Demonstrated interest in at least one enrichment specialty area (arts, STEAM, sports, technology, etc.).
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work collaboratively.
• Ability to maintain a safe and organized learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in classroom supervision and routines.
• Lead enrichment activities in specialty area (arts, STEAM, sports, technology, etc.).
• Coordinate with Group Teacher/Leader and Program Director for successful delivery of activities.
• Support social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices.
• Maintain safe, clean, organized spaces and follow licensing and safety protocols.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Student engagement

Enrichment area interest

Education

High school diploma

Some college credits

Education/child development coursework (preferred)

Tools

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Bronx, NY 10453, Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time, Salary Range: $17.00 - $19.23 Hourly, POSITION: Activity Specialist, Early LIFE COMPASS Elementary

REPORTS TO: Program Director, COMPASS Elementary

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time

EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

SALARY/WAGES: $17.00 - $19.23 per hour

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Activity Specialist supports the successful daily operation of the school-age classroom and leads enrichment activities in their specialty area (e.g., arts, STEAM, financial literacy, fitness, technology, dance, drama, music, robotics, etc.). This role is essential to delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate, engaging programming that supports the academic, social-emotional, and creative growth of each child.

The Activity Specialist works collaboratively with the Group Teacher/Leader and Program Director to maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment aligned with our organizational mission and core values.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Classroom Support & Supervision

• Assists the Group Teacher/Leader in supervising, engaging, and supporting students during daily routines, transitions, and enrichment activities.
• Maintain proper staff-to-child ratios and ensure active supervision at all times.
• Support homework help, literacy time, independent learning, and group activities.
• Reinforce classroom expectations using positive guidance, restorative practices, and SEL strategies.

2. Activity Specialist Responsibilities (Content Delivery)

• Plan and lead high-quality enrichment sessions in their area of expertise (e.g., Sports, STEAM, Dance, Theatre, Music, Robotics, Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, Creative Arts, Technology, etc.).
• Plan and coordinate with community partners and service providers for the implementation and delivery of activities
• Design activities that are hands‑on, inclusive, engaging, and aligned with program goals.
• Incorporate creativity, innovation, SEL strategies, and project‑based learning.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse learners, including children with disabilities or sensory needs.
• Prepare materials, organize supplies, and maintain an engaging learning environment.

3. Child Development & Social‑Emotional Support

• Model social‑emotional competencies such as empathy, self‑awareness, emotional expression, and teamwork.
• Assist with conflict resolution, problem‑solving, and behavior support strategies.
• Recognize and respond to students’ individual needs using trauma‑informed and inclusive practices.

4. Safety, Health & Compliance

• Assist in ensuring that the classroom meets all licensing, health and safety requirements, and organizational standards.
• Follow all protocols for sign‑in/out, attendance, incident reporting, emergency drills, and supervision.
• Maintain clean, organized spaces and sanitize materials as needed.
• Report any concerns promptly to the Group Teacher/Leader or Program Director.

5. Family Communication & Relationship Building

• Greet families warmly and support positive, professional interactions.
• Refer family questions or concerns to the Group Teacher/Leader or Program Director as needed.
• Demonstrate respect, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity at all times.

6. Collaboration & Professional Growth

• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, trainings, and professional development.
• Collaborate with the teaching team and partner providers to coordinate schedules and activities.
• Reflect on practice and seek constructive feedback to continuously improve.

CORE VALUES ALIGNMENT:

Inclusion: Creates activities and learning opportunities accessible to all children, celebrating diversity and cultural backgrounds.

Support: Provides encouragement, guidance, and individualized assistance during lessons, transitions, and enrichment.

Growth: Promotes children’s academic, creative, and social‑emotional development while pursuing personal professional growth.

Community: Supports a classroom culture of respect, collaboration, belonging, and shared responsibility.

Innovation: Implements engaging, future‑ready enrichment activities that integrate creativity, technology, and hands‑on learning.

Qualifications:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college credits in education, child development, youth development, or related fields preferred.
• Experience working with school‑age children in a classroom, camp, or youth development setting.
• Demonstrated skill or interest in at least one enrichment specialty area (arts, STEAM, sports, technology, etc.).
• Warm, patient, energetic, and child‑centered approach.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work collaboratively.
• Ability to maintain a safe and organized learning environment.

Preferred

• Coursework in education, psychology, recreation, the relevant specialty area, or related fields.
• Experience delivering structured enrichment lessons or leading group activities.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Familiarity with trauma‑informed practices, SEL, and inclusive education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand, walk, sit on the floor, and actively engage with children.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to participate in recreational or movement‑based activities depending on specialty area.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Primarily weekday afternoons during after‑school hours.
• Additional hours may be required for training, planning, or family engagement events.

REVISED: 8/19/2026