About this role
Position Title
Activity Specialist
Department
Community Schools
Site/Location
Urban Scholars Community School
1180 Tinton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456
Job Classification ( HR Use Only )
Non-Exempt, Part-Time
Salary Range
$22/hr
Reports To
Program Director, Community Schools
MISSION STATEMENT
East Side House cares for the individuals, families, and communities we serve by expanding opportunities to live more fulfilling lives through education, career, and supportive services.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/ Objective
East Side House (ESH) is a community resource in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their community. ESHs afterschool program aligns with our mission by providing high quality programs and services within community centers and school partnerships.
Reporting to the Program Director and/or Site Coordinator, the Activity Specialist is responsible for delivering high-quality enrichment programming that promotes youth development, engagement, and skill-building. The Activity Specialist will plan, facilitate, and assess a specialized activity based on their area of expertise, such as visual arts, dance, music, sports, STEM, coding, culinary arts, fitness, or other enrichment subjects. As a member of the Afterschool Programs team, the Activity Specialist is expected to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment; maintain positive relationships with participants and staff; and support program goals and outcomes. This position has no direct reports and interacts with program staff, school personnel, students, families, and community partners. With a focus on youth enrichment and positive youth development, the Activity Specialist provides hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, confidence, teamwork, and skill development.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Program Director the Activity Specialist will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- Plan and facilitate engaging, structured enrichment activities in their designated area of expertise.
- Develop age-appropriate lesson plans and curricula that align with program goals and participant needs.
- Lead specialized workshops and projects that promote skill-building, creativity, and self-expression.
- Create and maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for all participants.
- Maintain accurate attendance records and submit required documentation in a timely manner.
- Ensure proper use, organization, and care of activity materials, equipment, and supplies.
- Collaborate with program staff to support overall program operations and special events.
- Serve as a positive role model and reinforce program expectations, policies, and procedures.
- Adapt activities to meet the varied interests, abilities, and developmental needs of participants.
- Communicate effectively with site staff regarding participant progress, concerns, and successes.
- Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Assist with participant supervision during transitions, snack time, and other program activities as needed.
- Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled sessions, typically one to two days per week.
- Travel to assigned program sites as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support the success of the afterschool program.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications
Qualifications
To perform this position successfully, the Activity Specialist must be able to fulfill all the elements of the job description to the highest standard and be able to work well with colleagues in a high energy and collaborative work environment. Additional qualifications include:
Education / Experience
- Minimum High School Diploma or GED
- Associates college degree preferred
- Appropriate training or certification in their area of specialty.
- Entrepreneur mindset
- Minimum of two years experience working with elementary or middle school-aged children (in-school/out-of-school settings), preferably in a racially, ethically, and socio-economically diverse urban community
- Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Goal oriented and focused on outcome and results
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Competency in youth development and childcare
- Demonstrate the ability to engage, motivate, and effectively work to create interactive academic and/or enrichment activities that are age-appropriate
- Genuine enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities and field practice. Ability to work as part of a team within a school community
- Ability to communicate and work effectively and respectfully with a broad range of diverse constituents
- Knowledge of classroom management.
Competencies
- Communication Proficiency
- Team Building
- Project Management
- Problem Solving/ Analysis
- Time Management
- Ethical Conduct
Clearance
Employees must be clear to work at ESH. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Department of Health Fingerprint Clearance and Department of Education Fingerprint Clearance, Background checks, and health screenings.
- Mandated Reporter, 2 hours, https://www.hslcnys.org/hslc/
- Foundations of Health & Safety Training, 5hours, https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.e (https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.e/)
Supervisory Responsibility
N/A
Physical Demands
This role may involve occasional lifting or moving of items up to 25 pounds and routine use of standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Expected Work Schedule
The work schedule expected for this position is: Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:30 pm-5:30 pm, as aligned to the needs of the program/ service.
EEO Statement
East Side House (ESH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.