Game Design/Coding Specialist –Afterschool Program
About The Position
The Game Design/Coding Specialist plans and facilitates hands-on technology programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The specialist introduces computer science, coding fundamentals, game development, digital design, and interactive technology through engaging, project-based learning. Students learn programming languages and platforms, design original games, develop characters and storylines, and explore the technology behind digital experiences. The specialist fosters creativity, computational thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, and helps students prepare projects for demonstrations, competitions, and showcases. This part-time, school-year position is available at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, up to 20 hours per week; start and end times may vary by site. Availability during these hours is required. Selected candidates are expected to work through June 2027 and may need to work some school holidays. The role also includes 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attendance at required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including some outside program hours. New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) provides free tennis and academic programs for children across New York City. Its mission is to develop young people's character through tennis and education, supporting success on and off the court.
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 computer science, coding, game development, technology education, or a related field.
- Ability to teach coding and technology concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
- Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to troubleshoot basic technology issues and guide students through problem-solving.
- Ability to develop structured, project-based technology lessons.
- Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 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, and during some school holidays.
- Expected to work the full school year through June 2027.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
- Familiarity with age-appropriate coding languages and platforms.
- College degree, technology certification, coding training, 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 coding lessons, game design workshops, and technology-based projects.
- Introduce students to coding fundamentals, computational thinking, algorithms, and programming concepts.
- Teach students to use age-appropriate coding platforms and game development tools.
- Guide students in designing and developing original video games, interactive stories, characters, and digital experiences.
- Introduce game mechanics, level design, user experience, animation, and digital storytelling.
- Provide opportunities for problem-solving, debugging, and iterative design.
- Encourage collaboration through group coding challenges and team-based game development projects.
- Prepare students to present games and digital projects at technology showcases and program events.
- Promote digital literacy, creativity, innovation, and responsible technology use.
- Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive technology learning environment.
- Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events.
- Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area, aligned 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 inclusive, hands-on sessions differentiated for different skill and grade levels; establish expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
- Build relationships with youth, encourage participation, creativity, and persistence, and 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, and share progress, challenges, and recommendations with supervisors.
- Ensure youth safety and supervision while following agency and DYCD policies.
- Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation.
- Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
