Activity Specialist, UIM
About The Position
East Side House’s SONYC after-school program provides enrichment programming and services through community centers and school partnerships. Reporting to the Program Director, the Activity Specialist plans, facilitates, and assesses a specialized enrichment activity in an area of expertise, such as visual arts, dance, music, sports, STEM, coding, culinary arts, or fitness. The role supports youth development, engagement, and skill-building through hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, confidence, teamwork, and self-expression. The Activity Specialist is part of the Afterschool Programs team and helps provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. The position maintains positive relationships with participants and staff, supports program goals and outcomes, and works with program staff, school personnel, students, families, and community partners. This role has no supervisory responsibilities. The expected schedule is Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., aligned with program needs; the schedule may be adjusted based on operational needs, with notice whenever possible. Sessions are typically scheduled one to two days per week. Travel to assigned program sites may be required. The position is non-exempt, part-time, and seasonal, with pay of $22 per hour, for the 2026–2027 school year.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Appropriate training, certification, or demonstrated experience in the assigned area of specialty.
- Strong group-management, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of youth development principles and age-appropriate practices for children and adolescents.
- Ability to engage and motivate students through interactive, age-appropriate academic and enrichment activities.
- Willingness to develop professional skills through training, coaching, and field practice, and ability to work collaboratively within a school community.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively and respectfully with diverse students, families, colleagues, and school personnel.
- Familiarity with applicable DYCD SONYC program requirements and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulations.
- Knowledge of student supervision, group management, and classroom-management strategies.
- Required clearances and documentation: Department of Health fingerprint clearance, Department of Education fingerprint clearance, Department of Investigation fingerprint clearance, State Central Registry clearance, Staff Exclusion List clearance, and a health statement.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree preferred.
- Minimum of two years of experience working with elementary- or middle-school-aged children in school or out-of-school settings preferred, particularly in diverse urban communities.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, initiative, and creativity in developing enrichment opportunities.
- Goal-oriented approach focused on program objectives and positive student outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Plan and facilitate engaging, structured enrichment activities in the designated area of expertise.
- Develop age-appropriate lesson plans and curricula aligned with program goals and participant needs.
- Lead specialized workshops and projects that promote skill-building, creativity, and self-expression.
- Create and maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.
- Maintain accurate attendance records and submit required documentation on time.
- Ensure proper use, organization, and care of activity materials, equipment, and supplies.
- Collaborate with program staff to support program operations and special events.
- Serve as a positive role model and reinforce program expectations, policies, and procedures.
- Adapt activities to participants’ varied interests, abilities, and developmental needs.
- Communicate with site staff about participant progress, concerns, and successes.
- Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
- Assist with participant supervision during transitions, snack time, and other program activities as needed.
- Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled sessions.
- Travel to assigned program sites as required.
- Perform other related duties to support the afterschool program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
