Activity Specialist: STEM (Dodge YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York•Brooklyn, NY

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Activity Specialist for the Dodge YMCA Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. This role is responsible for providing academic enhancement and enrichment, creating a safe and positive environment for school-age children, and offering opportunities for learning, interaction, and growth. The specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate STEM instruction, ensuring lessons are project-based and encourage hands-on learning. The position involves incorporating diverse STEM subjects, planning for logistical and safety considerations, and integrating methods for assessment. The Activity Specialist will also guide participants in preparing for an end-of-cycle showcase, facilitate daily STEM activities, and support the development of teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The role requires promoting an inclusive environment, ensuring participant safety, working cooperatively with staff, adhering to regulations, maintaining documentation, serving as a positive role model, communicating YMCA values, developing relationships with parents/guardians, and actively participating in training and meetings.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of science, technology, engineering, or math.
Direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
Content expert in the designated subject matter.
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 are preferred.
Preference is given to individuals who are already experts in their field (e.g., engineers, programmers, scientists, etc.) or college or graduate students working toward such specialization.

Responsibilities

Prepare and deliver age-appropriate STEM instruction for school-aged children in the Y Afterschool program.
Design a comprehensive STEM curriculum using detailed lesson plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives tailored to stimulate interest and engagement across various grade levels.
Ensure all lessons are project-based where possible, encouraging hands-on learning and practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
Incorporate diverse STEM subjects, including potential projects in coding, robotics, engineering challenges, science experiments, data analysis, or other related fields such as chess and strategy games.
Support Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs.
Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in science and engineering projects.
Include scalable activities and modifications to accommodate varying skill levels and learning paces among participants.
Integrate methods for both formal and informal assessment to track participants’ progress and engagement.
Work with participants throughout the program to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their work.
Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event.
Lead and facilitate daily STEM activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
Actively use activities to support the development of teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills.
Provide opportunities for participants to research, discuss, and innovate around local and global scientific and technological issues.
Integrate foundational literacy skills (i.e., reading instructions, writing reports, and research) into projects throughout the year.
Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing 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 (sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).
Serve as a positive role model for participants.
Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.