Afterschool Activity Specialist

YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood is seeking an Activity Specialist for PS.187’s Afterschool Program. The role centers on leading guitar-related activities that promote social-emotional learning, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth for children aged 5–13 in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, relevant teaching experience, and a commitment to diversity and safety. Part-time hours are 4:00 pm–5:45 pm, with a supportive center environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; teaching credential preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
• At least three years of experience teaching elementary-age students in movement and dance.
• Knowledge of youth development principles.
• Strong communication and professional conduct.
• Experience in a multiethnic urban setting.
• Ability to model universal Jewish values.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead interactive activities, workshops, and group projects.
• Encourage teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Support students in developing confidence, leadership, and positive relationships.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs and ages of different groups.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.
• Build positive relationships with students and encourage participation.
• Incorporate SEL, arts, STEM, sports, recreation, and enrichment activities.
• Work collaboratively with program staff to provide a high-quality afterschool experience.

Skills

CPR and First Aid Certification

Experience teaching elementary-age mov

Youth development principles

Excellent communication skills

Diversity & urban setting experience

Professional conduct & boundaries

Education

High School Diploma

Teaching credential (preferred)

Job description

ABOUT US:

Established in 1917, YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood (the "Y") is a not-for-profit Jewish community center that welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We offer a wide range of educational, sports, recreational, and social services programs to enhance the quality of life of the people we serve. From topnotch early childhood education and youth development programs to innovative senior center services, there's always something for everyone at the Y!

ABOUT THE YWHI AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM:

The YWHI Afterschool Program at PS.187 provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging space where children and youth can learn, grow, build friendships, and explore their interests beyond the school day. Our program combines academic support, enrichment, recreation, creativity, and social-emotional learning (SEL) to help participants develop skills that support success in school and in everyday life.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Activity Specialist is an expert in all things. leads engaging, age-appropriate activities that support students’ social-emotional learning, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. They create a positive and inclusive environment where students can explore their interests, build new skills, and have fun after school. He/she is responsible for developing guitar-related activities and lessons while fostering a fun, inclusive, and respectful environment that welcomes all participants from diverse backgrounds. The person in this role is a role model to youth, always conducting him/herself in the utmost professional manner and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and lead interactive activities, workshops, and group projects.
• Encourage teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Support students in developing confidence, leadership, and positive relationships.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs and interests of different age groups.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.
• Build positive relationships with students and encourage active participation.
• Incorporate SEL, arts, STEM, sports, recreation, and enrichment activities into programming.
• Work collaboratively with program staff to provide a high-quality afterschool experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• High School Diploma; Teaching credential, preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred.
• At least three (3) years of experience teaching elementary-age students in the field of movement and dance.
• Knowledge of principles of youth development.
• Proven ability to exercise mature judgment and sound decision making.
• Excellent communication skills; can speak professionally to participants, staff members, and guests.
• Experience working in a multiethnic, urban community.
• Experience promoting the physical, intellectual, social, cultural and emotional well-being of elementary-age students.
• Comfortable to learn and model universal Jewish values while working in and with a large, diverse population.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• Part-time 4:00 pm - 5:45 pm (hours may vary).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a typical community center environment.
• Participants between the ages of 5-13.

COMPENSATION:

• Work paid at $22 an hour.

WORK AUTHORIZATION & CLEARANCE:

• Documentation of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Must pass the required background check, medical tests, and clearances.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.