Activity Specialist

Chinese-American Planning Council•New York, NY

2d•$23 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1965, the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) is a social services organization advancing the social and economic well-being of immigrant and low-income New Yorkers through holistic services and community-led impact. CPC is the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization and serves as a trusted community anchor to over 80,000 community members who are served by CPC annually through 50+ high-quality programs and services across 35 sites in New York City. CPC Education and Career Services (ECS) provides dynamic programs and activities that bridge youth and adults with their highest educational, economic, and leadership potential. ECS believes it is never too early or too late to start learning, which is why we use an asset-based approach to maximize clients’ current strengths. Whether in our schools, community centers, or internship sites, ECS creates equitable learning environments that promote leadership development, self-advocacy, and community building. Our programs equip clients with essential skills and experiences today so that they are empowered to take the next step tomorrow. The School Violence Prevention Program (NYSED SVP) provides students with a safe, supportive environment focused on preventing violence and promoting positive decision-making. Through mentoring, conflict-resolution workshops, social-emotional learning, leadership activities, academic support, and recreational enrichment, students develop communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The program empowers youth to manage conflicts peacefully, build positive relationships, and contribute to a safe and supportive school community. The SONYC Middle School Program, funded by the NYC Department of Education, provides middle school students with comprehensive after-school services that support academic, social-emotional, and personal growth. Students participate in homework assistance, STEM and arts enrichment, sports and recreation, leadership development, and college and career exploration. Through engaging activities and supportive relationships, SONYC helps students build confidence, strengthen skills, explore their interests, and feel empowered to succeed in school and their community.

Requirements

College Graduate or student working toward expert specialization preferred.
Experience in a specific activity area such as art, dance, nutrition, or organized sports is required.
Must possess solid grounding in one or more relevant content areas and relevant teaching skills to implement activities successfully.
Prior experience providing instruction to youth and/or leading youth activities is preferred.
Current CPR/first aid/AED certification or willingness to complete this training/certification within 6 months of hire is required.
Strong social and emotional maturity and behavioral management skills.
Excellent verbal and written Demonstrated leadership, team building, and conflict resolution abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Must pass full background check that includes but not limited to fingerprinting, SCR (Statewide Central Register), and DOHMH and PETS Clearance system.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin and/or Cantonese) or Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Plan, implement, and lead meaningful physical fitness/healthy living, hands-on learning and teambuilding, academic support, and/or STEAM and literacy enrichment activities that are structured, age-appropriate, engaging, challenging, and values-based.
Work with Group Leaders and Youth Workers (as applicable) to implement program activities aligned with DYCD required content areas and the activity schedule/workscope and embed social and emotional learning across activities.
Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of program participants by providing close supervision of all activities.
Supervise, participate in, and administer recreational and educational activities for participants in the program.
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.
Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for all activities.
Adhere to all DYCD, DOHMH, CPC, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.
Attend required training, meetings, and professional development sessions.
Complete professional development (at least 129 hours annually for Compass Middle School) as required by CPC and funding/regulatory agencies (e.g., DYCD, DOH, and SACC), including, but not limited to, this required training: 1-hour training provided by DYCD on mental health and mental illness, engagement and deescalation strategies, referral and crisis management protocols, and mental health resources.
Report to and fulfill other related duties as assigned by the Program Director.