Activity Specialist (Jamaica YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Free YMCA membership

Paid time off

Job summary

The Jamaica YMCA, part of the YMCA of Greater New York, is seeking an Activity Specialist for the Y Afterschool program. The role focuses on academic enrichment and enrichment activities for school-age children in a safe, supportive environment.

You will prepare lessons, deliver age-appropriate instruction, and collaborate with counselors and staff to promote learning and personal growth. This part-time position runs Monday through Friday afternoons and includes program documentation and

Qualifications

• Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent; college credits preferred.
• Minimum two years of experience with youth in a group setting and activity planning.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities; ability to engage diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and well-being of participants with appropriate supervision.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities and events.
• Teach fundamentals of subjects and build skills and confidence.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance if applicable.
• Collaborate with Afterschool staff and school personnel.
• Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for all participants.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Diversity sensitivity

Time management

Availability: 2-6 PM Mon-Fri

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Part-Time / Regular

$22.00 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 Jamaica 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 instruction for all grades offered 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 subjects, 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 activities in a group setting.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.
• Must be available to work Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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.

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