Activity Specialist: Fitness & Nutrition (Staten Island South Shore YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York•Staten Island, NY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Activity Specialist: Fitness & Nutrition for its Staten Island South Shore YMCA branch. This part-time role is crucial for providing academic enhancement and enrichment within the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for creating a safe and positive environment for school-age children, offering opportunities for learning, interaction, and personal growth. This position involves preparing and delivering age-appropriate Fitness & Nutrition instruction for grades K-5.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of fitness and nutrition.
Direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Nice To Haves

College credits and formal education in a related field preferred.
Preference is given to individuals who are already experts within their field or college/graduate students working towards such specialization.
Coaching certification, if applicable.
Content expert in the designated subject matter.

Responsibilities

Create structured, detailed, and engaging daily or weekly lesson plans that align with program goals and the HealthyNYC initiative, including clear objectives, detailed procedures, time management, required materials, safety considerations, differentiation/modifications, and assessment methods.
Work with participants to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their accomplishments, guiding them in selecting and finishing presentation pieces, and assisting with event organization and setup.
Lead diverse physical activities such as gym/physical education sessions, organized sports, dance, martial arts, fun fitness games, and other structured recreational exercises.
Conduct educational activities like cooking demonstrations or workshops to teach participants the fundamentals of healthy eating and living.
Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces diversity and maintains a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants through appropriate supervision at all times.
Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.
Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.
Maintain accurate program documentation, including sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports.
Serve as a positive role model for participants and communicate the YMCA’s core values and program goals.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication.
Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.