Activity Specialist

UNITED ACTIVITIES UNLIMITED • New York, NY

11d • $23 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

United Activities Unlimited, Inc. (UAU) is a community-based agency in Staten Island, NY, dedicated to inspiring, transforming, and empowering individuals of all ages through a wide range of services including job placement, youth development, and community outreach. UAU is committed to serving diverse populations and implementing programs that support positive outcomes. The Activity Specialist works under the supervision of the Educational School-Based Content Specialist and Program Director to create and facilitate a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for participants in the COMPASS and SONYC programs. This role is crucial in delivering high-quality youth development programming focused on academic achievement, social-emotional growth, creativity, leadership, and positive engagement. The Specialist will implement project-based learning and specialized enrichment activities aligned with UAU's curriculum, program goals, and participant interests, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and creativity through hands-on, interactive, and age-appropriate instruction.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with children in a classroom setting, with children less than 13 years of age.
• Minimum 1 year of prior experience teaching or facilitating group activities, with children less than 13 years of age.
• Must be culturally competent - ability to understand, be sensitive to the needs of, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures.
• Must pass reference and background checks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem solving and mathematical skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and complete work independently.
• Willing to take initiative and be flexible when needed.
• Excels working in a collaborative environment to achieve target objects and outcomes.

Nice To Haves

• Matriculated college student or better from an accredited university or college preferred.
• Knowledge of a particular subject area or specialty required such as but not limited to; STEAM, Art, Music, Various Organized Sports etc.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Program Director and Educational School-Based Content Specialist to implement and enhance program curriculum, enrichment activities, and educational initiatives.
• Provide evidence of curriculum implementation and contribute to curriculum development through lesson planning, activity documentation, participant assessments, and program feedback.
• Develop and implement specialized activity lesson plans and instructional materials that support academic enrichment, youth development, and program goals.
• Deliver engaging instruction and facilitate activities in individual, small-group, and large-group settings using diverse teaching methods and learning strategies.
• Translate lesson plans into meaningful and interactive learning experiences that maximize participant engagement, creativity, skill development, and overall program participation.
• Independently supervise and manage assigned groups of participants, maintaining appropriate structure, organization, and accountability.
• Create and maintain a fun, welcoming, and visually appealing environment that encourages learning, exploration, and positive youth engagement.
• Establish a classroom and activity environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental needs of participants.
• Facilitate a safe, structured, and productive learning environment that promotes positive youth development, teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.
• Supervise participants during all program components, including instructional periods, enrichment activities, recreation, transitions, special events, field trips, and dismissal procedures.
• Model, teach, reinforce, and support age-appropriate social, emotional, and behavioral skills, including respect, responsibility, cooperation, self-regulation, and conflict resolution.
• Utilize positive behavior management strategies and restorative practices to address challenging behaviors and foster a respectful and inclusive program culture.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism, and enthusiasm while serving as a positive role model.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, school personnel, and colleagues.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, activity reports, incident documentation, and other required program records.
• Assist in the preparation, organization, and maintenance of instructional materials, supplies, equipment, and program spaces.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, workshops, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, compliance requirements, and safety protocols established by relevant agencies and UAU.
• Support program-wide initiatives, family engagement activities, special events, performances, field trips, and community-based projects.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as necessary or assigned.

Benefits

• Reimbursed local travel expenses in accordance with UAU’s fiscal policies and procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED