GAINS Activity specialist (Social Services/DHQ) ( P/T 15-20 HRS/WK)

The Salvation Army; New York (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking an Activity Specialist to lead engaging activities in areas like art, dance, STEM, or sports for youth. You will plan, implement, and adapt lesson plans with Group Leaders, ensuring safe, inclusive programming and positive social interactions.

Strong communication, youth engagement, and the ability to work across ages are essential; CPR/First Aid certification is required. Part-time availability during school days and full-time on non-school days is preferred, with

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate degree preferred.
• At least 2 years’ experience in art, dance, nutrition, organized sports, or STEM education.
• Experience teaching or facilitating youth in structured program settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• CPR & First Aid certifications.
• Available to work part-time hours on School Days and full-time hours on Non-School Days (School Holidays & Summer).
• Bilingual English/Spanish or other language a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement high-quality activities in assigned specialty areas such as art, dance, sports, STEM, or academic enrichment.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and other staff to ensure engaging and developmentally appropriate programming.
• Implement lesson plans ensuring alignment with program goals and participant needs.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
• Encourage youth participation, creativity, teamwork, and positive social interactions.
• Ensure all materials and equipment are used safely and maintained.
• Involvement in the total program with willingness to help in all areas as needed, including dining room, and outdoor/indoor activities.
• Complete a Debrief at the end of the school year & summer camp session to include areas of concern for the following program year.
• Maintain a high level of interaction with children and staff; also, be a constructive member of the Leadership
• Ability to communicate and work with groups of various ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to children and/or staff.
• Ability to identify and physically respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations, as needed.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other language) a plus.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual (EN/SPAN)

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate degree preferred

2+ years experience in art/dance/nutrition/sports/STEM

Job description

Overview

The Activity Specialist will be responsible for leading engaging and educational activities in areas that require specific expertise and experience (e.g., STEM, literacy, sports, academic support, etc.). The Activity Specialist will collaborate closely with Group Leaders and, if applicable, SYEP Volunteers, to implement dynamic program components that align with the organization’s goals and youth development principles. The Activity Specialist will have oversight responsibility for a designated group of children and a specialized activity, as assigned by the Program Director. They will also be responsible for exercising a measure of leadership over other employees assigned to them.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement high-quality activities in assigned specialty areas such as art, dance, sports, STEM, or academic enrichment.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and other staff to ensure engaging and developmentally appropriate programming.
• Implement lesson plans ensuring it aligns with program goals and participant needs
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
• Encourage youth participation, creativity, teamwork, and positive social interactions.
• Ensure all materials and equipment are used safely and maintained properly.
• Involvement in the total program with willingness to help in all areas as needed, including dining room, and outdoor/indoor activities.
• Complete a Debrief at the end of the school year & summer camp session to include areas of concern for the following program year.
• Maintain a high level of interaction with children and staff; also, be a constructive member of the Leadership
• Ability to communicate and work with groups of various ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to children and/or staff.
• Ability to identify and physically respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations, as needed.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other language) a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate degree or college credits preferred.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a specific area such as art, dance, nutrition, organized sports, or STEM education.
• Experience in a specific area such as art, dance, nutrition, organized sports, or STEM education.
• Strong knowledge and skills within the relevant content area.
• Teaching or facilitation experience with youth in structured program settings preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage and motivate participants of varying skill levels.
• At least 1 year Experience in Youth or Camp Programming and the ability to teach and enthuse others
• Interest in leadership with peers or leadership of organized programming
• Current CPR & First Aid Certifications
• Available to work part-time hours on School Days and full-time hours on Non-School Days (School Holidays & Summer)