Activity Specialist (Ridgewood YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Medical

Paid time off

Free YMCA membership

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Activity Specialist for the Saturday Night Lights program at Ridgewood YMCA in Queens, NY. You will provide age-appropriate basketball instruction for grades 8–12 and foster a safe, inclusive environment that supports youth growth and learning.

This part-time role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, 2+ years working with youth in sports, and a passion for developing skills through engaging activities.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with diverse youth/adult interaction.
• Knowledge of youth development stages and age-appropriate activities.
• Basketball/sports content expertise for program delivery.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and well-being of participants with constant supervision.
• Plan and implement engaging, values-based basketball activities and events.
• Teach fundamentals and build skills, confidence, and teamwork.
• Coordinate culminating performance and collaborate with staff.
• Maintain equipment and supplies, communicate goals to participants and caregivers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Youth development knowledge

Basketball/sports expertise

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; PE coursework preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Part-Time / Regular

$20.00 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 Ridgewood YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist who will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Saturday Night Lights (SNL) program. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe, 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 provide age-appropriate basketball instruction for grades 8 through 12 in the SNL 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, age-appropriate, exciting, challenging, and values-based basketball activities and special events.


• Teach participants the fundamentals of basketball, including activities that build their skills and confidence.


• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.


• Work cooperatively with professional staff, Sports Instructors, and other program and DYCD 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, 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 basketball.


• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the 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 and formal education in Physical Education or equivalent work experience preferred.


• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, specifically in the area of sports.


• Experience working with youth, including knowledge of age-appropriate activities with a youth development framework.


• Knowledge of youth development stages.


• Content expert in basketball or sports.


• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• Formal certification in CDC Concussion Training required.


• 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.

Job ID req3094

Employment Type Part-Time / Regular

Location Ridgewood YMCA, Queens, NY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities