Martial Arts Activity Specialist - Elementary (South Ozone Park)

South Asian Youth Action Inc.•New York, NY

7h•$30 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is seeking a part-time Martial Arts Activity Specialist for its Elementary School Program at PS 124 in South Ozone Park, Queens. This role involves leading beginner martial arts classes and teaching foundational principles to elementary school-aged participants in an after-school setting. SAYA is committed to providing employees with growth opportunities in a supportive community, offering autonomy in curriculum design and implementation, a school-day schedule, and a generous benefits package to ensure a healthy work-life balance within a fast-growing youth development nonprofit. SAYA is an inclusive, South Asian-focused 501(c)3 youth development organization dedicated to educational equity by empowering less privileged New York City youth academically, emotionally, and socially. Established in 1996, SAYA has grown significantly and serves over 1,400 youth annually through programming at nine NYC schools and a community center. The organization prioritizes fostering a strong sense of belonging and ensuring all program sites are safe and brave spaces where young people feel valued, culturally affirmed, and welcomed.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of academic preparation in Martial Arts, or equivalent training.
Knowledge and understanding of youth development, after school and public education.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities, people and projects effectively.
Experience in providing individualized and group instruction to meet the needs of youth with various level of skills.
Experience designing and teaching courses to ensure youth success and supports youth-centered learning.
Demonstrated knowledge of teaching Martial Arts techniques including but not limited to Karate, Capoeira, Jiu Jitsu to middle-school youth with an emphasis on skill building, recreation, and development.
Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people including youth, teachers, school administrations, parents, and other staff.
Ability to work as part of a team with the school community and other SAYA programs.
Ability to consider situations from multiple perspectives in order to avoid and manage conflict.
Comfortable adapting to changing circumstances.
Able to work with youth of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise all activities to ensure the health, safety and well-being of program participants.
Develop lesson plans of age-appropriate Martial Arts activities and themes that will support the development of social-emotional learning competencies, seek to build skills and encourage collaboration.
Facilitate purposeful activities that foster the development of new skills in youth in an engaging, creative and responsive manner.
Manage classroom and maintain positive learning environment.
Build positive relationships with youth and adults and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication and overall attitude.
Ensure proper care of all spaces and materials, organize room and report any misused or damaged materials to the Program Director.
Complete and submit in a timely manner all program reports relative to this position, including but not limited to: supply request, lesson plans, incident reports, attendance, and timesheets.
Assist Program Coordinator with ordering and maintaining equipment and/or supplies.
Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings and special events.