Cosmetology Specialist –Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis & Learning•New York, NY

19h•$22 - $25

About The Position

New York Junior Tennis & Learning is hiring a Cosmetology Specialist for its afterschool program at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan. The specialist plans and facilitates engaging, age-appropriate cosmetology and personal care programming for students in grades 6–8. Programming introduces students to beauty, hair care, skincare, nail art, hygiene, and personal presentation while encouraging creativity, self-confidence, and individual expression. Students explore hair textures and cultural beauty traditions, try age-appropriate styling and nail art, and learn about personal care and wellness. The role also introduces career opportunities in the beauty and cosmetology industries through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and creative projects. The specialist designs sequential, project-based units aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. They lead inclusive hands-on activities, support youth engagement and behavior, collaborate with program staff, and help maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment. All activities must use age-appropriate products, sanitized tools, and safe practices; chemical treatments and services requiring professional licensure must be avoided. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM; start and end times may vary by site assignment. The position is up to 20 hours per week, not including meetings, and availability during these hours is required. Candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending June 2027. The position also requires 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attendance at required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including some outside program hours.

Requirements

Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, excluding meetings, during the school year and some school holidays.
Expected to work the full school year through June 2027.
At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, or recreational programs.
Demonstrated experience or knowledge in cosmetology, hairstyling, beauty, skincare, nail artistry, or a related field.
Knowledge of basic hair care, styling techniques, sanitation, and beauty practices.
Ability to teach age-appropriate cosmetology activities in an engaging, youth-friendly manner.
Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to engage students with diverse interests, backgrounds, and hair types.
Knowledge of safe product use, hygiene, and sanitation practices.
Dependable, professional, patient, creative, and enthusiastic.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
Cosmetology license, beauty industry training, certification, or equivalent experience.
Some college coursework or a degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field.
Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate engaging cosmetology lessons, workshops, and hands-on beauty activities.
Introduce students to basic hair care, hairstyling, skincare, nail art, hygiene, and personal grooming.
Teach students about different hair textures, hair care practices, and cultural beauty traditions.
Demonstrate age-appropriate techniques, including braiding, styling, accessorizing, and creative nail art.
Introduce foundational concepts in beauty, personal presentation, sanitation, and professional practices.
Incorporate discussions about self-confidence, positive self-image, individuality, and respect for diverse beauty standards.
Expose students to career pathways in cosmetology, hairstyling, makeup artistry, skincare, nail technology, and the beauty industry.
Provide opportunities for students to create projects, practice techniques using mannequins or approved materials, and participate in beauty showcases.
Ensure activities use age-appropriate products, sanitized tools, and safe practices; avoid chemical treatments and services requiring professional licensure.
Maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
Attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area.
Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for different skill and grade levels.
Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
Build relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
Adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.