Activity Specialist, IS 190

East Side House Settlement•Bronx, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

East Side House’s SONYC after-school program provides high-quality programming and services through community centers and school partnerships. Reporting to the Program Director, the Activity Specialist delivers enrichment programming that supports youth development, engagement, and skill-building. The specialist plans, facilitates, and assesses activities in an area of expertise, such as visual arts, dance, music, sports, STEM, coding, culinary arts, or fitness. The Activity Specialist helps create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment, builds positive relationships with participants and staff, and supports program goals. The role provides hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, confidence, teamwork, and skill development. It has no direct reports and involves interaction with program staff, school personnel, students, families, and community partners. The position is part-time and seasonal, with sessions typically scheduled one to two days per week; the listed schedule is Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., as program needs require.

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.
Ability to work collaboratively within a school community and communicate 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: Department of Health fingerprint clearance, Department of Education fingerprint clearance, Department of Investigation fingerprint clearance, State Central Registry clearance, and Staff Exclusion List clearance; health statement.
Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work the expected Monday–Friday, 2 p.m.–6 p.m. schedule, subject to program needs, and travel to assigned program sites as required.

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.
Willingness to develop professional skills through training, coaching, and field practice.

Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate 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 on program operations and special events.
Model positive behavior and reinforce program expectations, policies, and procedures.
Adapt activities to participants’ 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 activities as needed.
Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled sessions and travel to assigned program sites as required.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the afterschool program.