Part-Time Activity Specialist (Harlem)

Young Womens Christian Association of the City of NY•New York, NY

23m•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The YWCA of the City of New York (YWCA NYC) is seeking caring, creative, knowledgeable, and results-oriented Activity Specialists committed to positive youth development and capable of creating and implementing curriculum in an afterschool setting. In this role, the Activity Specialist will plan, deliver, and supervise engaging, age-appropriate activities in a specialized focus area (such as STEM, Health and Physical Education, Literacy, Arts, and Leadership) for participants in YWCA after-school programs. The individual in this position fosters a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where all students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow, while working closely with program leadership and school staff to align lessons with program objectives, prepare youth for showcases or events, and adapt curriculum to meet diverse needs.

Requirements

Associate's degree or 18 credits in education, Youth Development, Arts, STEM, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 1–2 years experience delivering activities to school-age youth in after-school or OST settings.
Experience with project-based learning, UbD, SEL integration, or similar curriculum frameworks.
Familiarity with inclusive practices for children with diverse needs (IEP/504/IAP accommodations).
Strong classroom management, planning, and communication skills.
Proficiency with basic digital tools (Google Workspace, MS Office).
CPR/First Aid and clearances (DOHMH, SCR, DCJS/SOR) required or willingness to obtain.
Commitment to promoting YW-NYC’s social justice mission and educational and youth development philosophy.

Responsibilities

Design and deliver sequenced units and lessons using Understanding by Design (UbD) that integrate DYCD content areas and youth development principles.
Develop measurable learning objectives and assessments (exit tickets, rubrics, work samples) tied to UbD transfer goals.
Create hands-on, inquiry-based activities that spark curiosity and expose students to new ways of thinking.
Infuse SEL strategies, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive approaches into daily instruction.
Differentiate instruction and apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies to meet diverse learner needs and abilities.
Ensure all activities and curricula align with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, program goals, and student interests.
Adapt curriculum and teaching strategies based on student needs, assessment data, and feedback.
Lead a culminating curriculum showcase at the end of each instructional cycle to demonstrate student learning and growth to families, school staff, and stakeholders.
Maintain a positive, student-centered, and safe learning environment through effective classroom management and behavior supports.
Follow DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, site safety protocols, and SACC/DOH regulations.
Complete required documentation: attendance, lesson logs, incident reports, and program data entry (DYCD Connect as applicable).
Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and observation/coaching cycles.
Always supervise participants, ensuring their safety and well-being in compliance with YWCA policies.
Coordinate with Program Director, Education Specialists, and school staff to align after-school activities with school-day goals.
Communicate regularly with families about student progress and showcase events.
Support recruitment, attendance strategies, and sustain positive relationships with school partners.
Support field trips, community-building events, and other enrichment opportunities to enhance program impact.