Cosmetology Specialist –Afterschool Program
About The Position
The Cosmetology Specialist plans and facilitates engaging, age-appropriate cosmetology and personal care programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The role introduces students to beauty, hair care, skincare, nail art, hygiene, and personal presentation while encouraging creativity, self-confidence, and individual expression. Students explore different hair textures and cultural beauty traditions, practice age-appropriate styling and nail art, and learn about personal care and wellness. The specialist also introduces career opportunities in cosmetology and related beauty fields through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and creative projects. The role is based at NYJTL after-school program sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, up to 20 hours per week, with start and end times varying by site. Availability during those hours is required. Selected candidates are expected to work through the end of the school year in June 2027. The position is part-time and pays $21.50–$24.50 per hour.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as an after-school program, camp, school, or recreational program.
- 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 approach.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
- Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, plus some school holidays and required meetings.
- Commitment to work through the school year ending in June 2027.
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 such as braiding, styling, accessorizing, and creative nail art.
- Introduce foundational concepts in beauty, personal presentation, sanitation, and professional practices.
- Encourage 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 creative projects, technique practice using mannequins or approved materials, and beauty showcases.
- Use age-appropriate products and sanitized tools, follow safe practices, and avoid chemical treatments or services requiring professional licensure.
- Maintain a structured, safe, inclusive learning environment and ensure youth safety and supervision in accordance with agency and DYCD policies.
- Maintain accurate attendance, sign-in/out records, and other program documentation as required.
- Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
- Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership into activities.
- Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space; care for and inventory related equipment and supplies.
- Lead inclusive, hands-on sessions differentiated for varied skill and grade levels; establish routines and positive behavior supports; adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
- Build relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
- Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, planning sessions, workshops, and special events as required, including those outside program hours.
- Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and perform other assigned duties.
- Work Monday through Friday during the school year and some school holidays, with availability during after-school hours required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
