About the Role
The YWCA of the City of New York seeks caring, creative, knowledgeable, and results-oriented Activity Specialists committed to positive youth development and capable of creating and implementing curriculum in an afterschool setting. In this role, the Activity Specialist will plan, deliver, and supervise engaging, age-appropriate activities in a specialized focus area for participants in YWCA after-school programs, fostering a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment.
Responsibilities
- Plan, deliver, and supervise engaging, age-appropriate activities in a specialized focus area.
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where all students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.
- Work closely with program leadership and school staff to align lessons with program objectives.
- Prepare youth for showcases or events.
- Adapt curriculum to meet diverse needs.
- Design and deliver sequenced units and lessons using Understanding by Design (UbD) that integrate DYCD content areas and youth development principles.
- Develop measurable learning objectives and assessments tied to UbD transfer goals.
- Create hands-on, inquiry-based activities that spark curiosity and expose students to new ways of thinking.
- Infuse SEL strategies, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive approaches into daily instruction.
- Differentiate instruction and apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies to meet diverse learner needs and abilities.
- Ensure all activities and curricula align with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, program goals, and student interests.
- Adapt curriculum and teaching strategies based on student needs, assessment data, and feedback.
- Lead a culminating curriculum showcase at the end of each instructional cycle.
- Maintain a positive, student-centered, and safe learning environment through effective classroom management and behavior supports.
- Follow DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, site safety protocols, and SACC/DOH regulations.
- Complete required documentation: attendance, lesson logs, incident reports, and program data entry.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and observation/coaching cycles.
- Supervise participants, ensuring their safety and well-being in compliance with YWCA policies.
- Coordinate with Program Director, Education Specialists, and school staff to align after-school activities with school-day goals.
- Communicate regularly with families about student progress and showcase events.
- Support recruitment, attendance strategies, and sustain positive relationships with school partners.
- Support field trips, community-building events, and other enrichment opportunities.
Requirements
- Associate's degree or 18 credits in education, Youth Development, Arts, STEM, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 1–2 years experience delivering activities to school-age youth in after-school or OST settings.
- Experience with project-based learning, UbD, SEL integration, or similar curriculum frameworks.
- Familiarity with inclusive practices for children with diverse needs (IEP/504/IAP accommodations).
- Strong classroom management, planning, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with basic digital tools (Google Workspace, MS Office).
- CPR/First Aid and clearances (DOHMH, SCR, DCJS/SOR) required or willingness to obtain.
- Commitment to promoting YW-NYC’s social justice mission and educational and youth development philosophy.
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Youth development
- Classroom management
- Communication
- Project-based learning
- Understanding by Design (UbD)
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) integration
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Trauma-informed practices
- Culturally responsive approaches
- Basic digital tools (Google Workspace, MS Office)
Location
- Brighton Beach
- Coney Island
- Brownsville
- Midwood
- Harlem
- Hell’s Kitchen
Work Type
- Part Time
- Afterschool
Experience Level
- 1-2 years
Education Level
- Associate's degree or 18 credits in education, Youth Development, Arts, STEM, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Salary/Compensations
- $25-$30 per hour
Benefits
- Paid time off
- 403(b) Plan
- Retirement plan
About the Company
- The YWCA of the City of New York (YWCA NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
- We are a multiracial social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues that emerge at the intersection of race, class, and gender.
- We reach more than 3,000 New York City youth each year, offering leadership and advocacy training for young women through our high school Girls Initiatives, and providing after-school COMPASS and SONYC programs for elementary and middle school students in culturally diverse communities.
- Through culturally responsive programming and a strong model of youth development, we create pathways for the next generation of leaders to reach their dreams and drive social change.
Equal Opportunity
- The YWCA of the City of New York is an equal opportunity employer and contractor.
- We provide equal employment and contracting opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
- The YWCA of New York City utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.
- Moreover, we encourage applicants from historically underrepresented communities to apply.
