Activity Specialist: STEM (La Central YMCA)

National Council of Young Men's Christian Associations of the United States of America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; 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 to design and deliver STEM enrichment in the La Central YMCA Afterschool program. You will prepare age-appropriate lessons, foster safe, inclusive learning, and guide students through hands-on projects.

Under the supervision of the Program Director, you will lead daily activities, assess progress, and help showcase student work at a year-end event. Strong communication and two years STEM experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits and formal education in a related field are preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in science, technology, engineering, or math.
• Direct experience working with children under 13.
• Content expert in the designated subject matter.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Design a comprehensive STEM curriculum using detailed lesson plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives tailored to stimulate interest and engagement across various grade levels.
• Ensure all lessons are project-based where possible, encouraging hands-on learning and practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
• Incorporate diverse STEM subjects, including potential projects in coding, robotics, engineering challenges, science experiments, data analysis, or other related fields such as chess and strategy games.
• Support Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs.
• Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in science and engineering projects.
• Include scalable activities and modifications to accommodate varying skill levels and learning paces among participants.
• Assessment: Integrate methods for both formal and informal assessment to track participants’ progress and engagement.
• Work with participants throughout the program to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their work.

Job description

Activity Specialist: STEM (La Central YMCA)

Activity Specialist: STEM (La Central YMCA)
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.
Tohelp fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, andcollaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and "LEAP" career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, PersonalGrowth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust,inclusion, growth, and development for all.
Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team isa deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strongconnections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At YAfterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow,lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is anopportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership andinterpersonal experience.
The La Central YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist.Under the supervision of the Program Director,the Activity Specialist will play a criticalrole in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschoolprogram, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist willbe responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school-agechildren and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, andacademic or personal growth. Specifically,the Activity Specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate STEMinstruction for school-aged children in the Y Afterschool program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design a comprehensive STEM curriculum using detailed lesson plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives tailored to stimulate interest and engagement across various grade levels.
  • Ensure all lessons are project-based where possible, encouraging hands-on learning and practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
  • Incorporate diverse STEM subjects, including potential projects in coding, robotics, engineering challenges, science experiments, data analysis, or other related fields such as chess and strategy games.
  • Support Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs.
  • Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in science and engineering projects.
  • Include scalable activities and modifications to accommodate varying skill levels and learning paces among participants.
  • Assessment: Integrate methods for both formal and informal assessment to track participants’ progress and engagement.
  • Work with participants throughout the program to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their work. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event.
• Lead and facilitate daily STEM activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
  • Actively use activities to support the development of teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills.
  • Provide opportunities for participants to research, discuss, and innovate around local and global scientific and technological issues.
  • While the primary focus is STEM, the specialist must be prepared to integrate foundational literacy skills (i.e., reading instructions, writing reports, and research) into projects throughout the year.
• 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.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.
• Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• 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.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Collegecredits and formal education in a related field are preferred.Preference is givento individuals who are already experts in their field (e.g., engineers,programmers, scientists, etc.) or college or graduate students workingtoward such specialization.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of science, technology, engineering, or math.
• Directexperience working with children under the age of 13.
• Content expert in the designated subject matter.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadershipqualities, 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

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