Activity Specialist, Early Life COMPASS Elementary

Lutheran Social Services of New York•New York, NY

1d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Activity Specialist supports the daily operation of a school-age classroom and leads enrichment activities in a specialty area such as arts, STEAM, financial literacy, fitness, technology, dance, drama, music, or robotics. The role delivers high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that supports children’s academic, social-emotional, and creative growth. The Activity Specialist works with the Group Teacher/Leader and Program Director to maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment aligned with the organization’s mission and values. The position is classified as part-time and non-exempt (hourly), with pay of $17.00–$19.23 per hour. Work is primarily on weekday afternoons during after-school hours; additional hours may be required for training, planning, or family engagement events.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience working with school-age children in a classroom, camp, or youth development setting.
Demonstrated skill or interest in at least one enrichment specialty area, such as arts, STEAM, sports, or technology.
Warm, patient, energetic, and child-centered approach.
Strong communication skills and willingness to work collaboratively.
Ability to maintain a safe and organized learning environment.
Ability to stand, walk, sit on the floor, and actively engage with children.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to participate in recreational or movement-based activities depending on specialty area.

Nice To Haves

Some college credits in education, child development, youth development, or a related field.
Coursework in education, psychology, recreation, the relevant specialty area, or related fields.
Experience delivering structured enrichment lessons or leading group activities.
CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it.
Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and inclusive education.

Responsibilities

Assist the Group Teacher/Leader with supervising, engaging, and supporting students during routines, transitions, and enrichment activities.
Maintain staff-to-child ratios and actively supervise children.
Support homework help, literacy time, independent learning, and group activities.
Reinforce classroom expectations using positive guidance, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning strategies.
Plan and lead enrichment sessions in a specialty area, coordinating with community partners and service providers as needed.
Design hands-on, inclusive, engaging activities aligned with program goals, incorporating creativity, innovation, social-emotional learning, and project-based learning.
Adapt activities for diverse learners, including children with disabilities or sensory needs.
Prepare materials, organize supplies, and maintain an engaging learning environment.
Model empathy, self-awareness, emotional expression, and teamwork; assist with conflict resolution, problem-solving, and behavior support.
Recognize and respond to individual student needs using trauma-informed and inclusive practices.
Help ensure the classroom meets licensing, health, safety, and organizational requirements.
Follow sign-in/out, attendance, incident reporting, emergency drill, and supervision protocols; keep spaces clean and organized and sanitize materials as needed.
Promptly report concerns to the Group Teacher/Leader or Program Director.
Greet families and support positive, professional interactions; refer questions or concerns to the Group Teacher/Leader or Program Director as needed.
Demonstrate respect, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, trainings, and professional development; collaborate with the teaching team and partner providers, and seek feedback to improve practice.