DYCD After School Activity Specialist

Counseling In Schools; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Counseling In Schools is seeking a part-time Activity Specialist for the 2026-2027 school year to provide a safe, engaging environment for school-age children during recreation, learning, and personal growth opportunities.

You will lead activities, develop weekly lesson plans in specialties such as STEAM, Arts, leadership, or related areas, and collaborate with staff to ensure inclusive, supportive environments that promote positive youth development.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in the area of specialty (STEAM, Leadership, Dance, Art, etc.).
• At least two years of work with youth.
• Ability to develop weekly activity lesson plans in assigned specialty.
• Familiarity with conflict resolution and mentoring concepts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Must clear a security background check from the DOE and DOH.

Responsibilities

• Lead activities in assigned specialty areas.
• Develop and implement weekly activity lesson plans.
• Create safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.
• Collaborate with staff to support instruction and youth development.
• Maintain positive relationships with youth, families, and school staff.

Skills

Youth development

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Counseling In Schools (CIS) is a dynamic community-based organization founded in 1986 with a mission to promote the emotional and social growth of children so that they can thrive in school and succeed in life. Counseling In Schools has created and fostered relationships with local schools, shelters, and communities to enable New York City’s children to thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally. Our expert team includes licensed mental health and youth development professionals who fully integrate into the community, providing programs that equip children, families, teachers, and administrators with the right tools for preventing and coping with the challenges they face. We envision and work toward a bright future, full of possibilities, where each child can flourish and reach their full potential.

Position Summary:

Counseling In Schools is seeking passionate and enthusiastic people to fill the part time Activity Specialist for the 2026-2027 SY. This role is critical to the successful operation of the Counseling In Schools school year programs. You will help provide a safe and positive environment for school age children during opportunities for recreation, learning, interaction and academic/personal growth. Additionally, you will lead activities, prepare students to demonstrate newly acquired skills and organize trips while providing and maintaining a safe working environment.

Reports to: Program Director

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Must have a strong interest in working with youth and have expertise in area(s) of specialty (STEAM, Leadership, Dance, Art, Martial Arts, Gymnastics, Gaming, Anime, Cosmetology, Cooking, Gardening, Theater, Girls Who Code, College and Career Readiness, Financial Literacy, Double Dutch, etc.)
• Provide guidance and inspiration to help students approach area(s) of specialty with enthusiasm and confidence.
• Responsible for developing weekly activity lesson plans in area(s) of specialty.
• Facilitate activities that foster the development of new skills in children.
• Ensure that age-appropriate activities are implemented for youth in grades K-8.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, supportive, and collaborative learning environment for students
• Build positive relationships with youth and adults and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, behavior and community.
• Model and uphold all agency and school policies and procedures
• Quickly identify and seek to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems in consultation with the Assistant Program Director and Program Director.
• Interact with parents and keep open lines of communication to better understand and work with the youth
• Develop and implement lesson plans in assigned specialty Create safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and the Content Specialist to support instruction.
• Model positive youth development and conflict-resolution strategies.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years of experience or other equivalent training in area(s) of specialty (STEAM, Leadership, Dance, Art, Martial Arts, Gymnastics, Gaming, Anime, Cosmetology Cooking, Gardening, Theater, Girls Who Code, College and Career Readiness, Financial Literacy, Double Dutch, etc.)
• A minimum of two years of work experience with youth.
• Demonstrated skills and competency as an Activity Specialist.
• Understanding of conflict resolution, mediation, and mentoring concepts.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Familiarity with office protocols involving dress, demeanor, record keeping, confidentiality, staff meetings, visitors, and employee use of supplies and equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Candidate must clear a security background check from the Department of Education and the Department of Health.

Compensation :

$25-$35/ hour; commensurate with experience