Activity Specialist: Physical Activity & Wellness

Northside Center for Child Development; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Job summary

A leading child development organization in New York City is seeking a part-time Physical Activity Specialist. This role involves designing and leading inclusive physical activity programs that enhance fitness and motor skills among students. Key responsibilities include hosting weekly activities, mentoring educators, and promoting wellness routines. The ideal candidate should have certifications in First Aid, experience with disabilities, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging environment for all students. Salary ranges from $22 to $25 per hour.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of special education laws and program evaluation.
• Experience working with disabilities preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Host weekly physical activity programs for student engagement.
• Facilitate high-energy, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Lead wellness routines to enhance self-regulation.

Skills

Developmentally appropriate activity adaptation

Curriculum design

Inclusive education practices

Data analysis

Teacher mentoring

Family engagement

Organizational abilities

Creative thinking

Education

CRP/First Aid certification

Youth Peer Advocate Certification

Job description

Objectives

Reporting to the Manager, Programs- TECC, the Staff, Programs – TECC will fill the part time role of Physical Activity Specialist and design and lead inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate physical active programs that promote fitness, motor skill growth, healthy lifestyle habits, and positive social interaction. This position aims to foster a supportive environment where all students can build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong wellness skills through structured movement and daily activity. This role is dedicated to creating inclusive, engaging physical activity experiences that promote holistic health, confidence, and well‑being of every student.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Host 220 minutes (40 minutes daily) of weekly physical activity programming that boosts students’ fitness, motor skills, and overall engagement.
• Facilitate high‑energy, developmentally appropriate activities—including sports skills, relays, dance/movement, and cooperative games—to build coordination, stamina, and teamwork.
• Lead wellness and reset routines, such as stretching, breathing exercises, and guided relaxation, to enhance students’ self‑regulation and body awareness.
• Support teachers in effective curriculum implementation to strengthen student outcomes and ensure consistent, standard‑aligned instruction across classrooms.
• Mentor and coach educators to promote inclusive instructional practices and drive measurable improvements in student learning and engagement.
• Lead professional development and contribute to school‑wide instructional planning that advances a positive, equitable, and culturally responsive learning environment.
• Conduct comprehensive student evaluations to accurately identify needs, inform targeted interventions, and guide instructional and placement decisions.
• Monitor progress and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and produce evidence‑based reports that inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to develop cohesive, student‑centered plans that support whole‑child growth and development.
• Ensure compliance with special education laws and maintain accurate documentation to uphold program integrity, accountability, and timely service delivery.

Specific Skills

• Strong understanding of appropriate development and ability to adapt activities for diverse learning and physical needs, including students with disabilities.
• Proven experience designing curriculum and providing instructional leadership that improves student outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of inclusive education practices, IEP development, and effective assessment methodologies.
• Proficient in tracking student progress, analyzing data, and applying insights to strengthen instruction and program outcomes.
• Strong teacher mentoring, professional development facilitation, and instructional leadership skills.
• Multidisciplinary teamwork, family engagement, clear reporting, and documentation.
• Strong knowledge of special education laws, program evaluation, accurate record‑keeping, and strong organizational abilities.
• Critical thinker, analytical, creative, strategic, and detail‑and results oriented.

Core Competencies

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission‑driven organization.
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values.
• Cross‑team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

Qualifications

• CRP/First Aid certification and Mandated Reporter or willingness to obtain
• Knowledge of nutrition, wellness, and healthy living concepts for school‑age learners.
• Youth Peer Advocate Certification (preferred).
• Experience supporting or working with students with disabilities (preferred).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).

Compensation and Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience. Northside offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Range $22-$25 per hour.

About Northside

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high‑quality, outcome‑driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children’s development. Several of Northside’s innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside’s founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside’s mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, “Each Child…First Chance.”

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit www.northsidecenter.org.