Activity Specialist/Instructor - COMPASS After School Program

Rising Ground, Inc.•New York, NY

21h•$18 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Activity Specialist is responsible for planning and facilitating engaging, age-appropriate activities for children participating in the COMPASS Afterschool Program. This position leads activities in one or more specialized content areas, such as STEAM, literacy, arts, dance, nutrition, organized sports, physical activity, academic support, recreation, or other enrichment areas. The Activity Specialist works collaboratively with the Program Supervisor, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers to create a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment that supports learning, creativity, positive youth development, and participant engagement.

Requirements

Experience in a specific activity area such as art, dance, nutrition, organized sports, STEAM, literacy, academic support, recreation, healthy living, or another youth enrichment area.
Experience working with school-age children in an afterschool, childcare, school, recreation, or community-based setting.
Ability to plan and facilitate structured, engaging, and safe activities for children.
Strong classroom management, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated commitment to positive youth development, cultural responsiveness, inclusion, and strengths-based practice.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Authorized to work in the U.S.
Ability to work in-person in New York City (NYC).
Ability to travel to other Rising Ground Sites (if required).

Nice To Haves

college coursework, training, certification, or professional experience in a specialty area preferred

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and facilitate structured activities in assigned specialty area(s) that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with COMPASS program goals.
Lead enrichment activities that require specific expertise, including but not limited to STEAM, literacy, arts, dance, nutrition, organized sports, academic support, recreation, or healthy living.
Develop and follow lesson plans or activity guides with clear goals, materials, and age-appropriate facilitation strategies.
Work collaboratively with Group Leaders and Youth Workers to implement assigned program components and support smooth activity delivery.
Model effective facilitation, group management, and positive behavior support strategies during activities, transitions, snack/supper, dismissal, field trips, and special events.
Support implementation of required COMPASS content areas, including Social and Emotional Learning, Physical Activity and Healthy Living, Academic Support, STEAM and Literacy, Introduction to College/Careers, and Life Skills Development.
Promote youth voice, choice, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and positive peer relationships.
Maintain a safe, welcoming, culturally responsive, inclusive, and strengths-based environment for all participants.
Communicate regularly with the Content Specialist and Program Director regarding activity needs, participant engagement, supplies, incidents, and program quality.
Complete required documentation, including attendance, activity records, incident reports, and other program-related paperwork as assigned.
Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.