Summer Activity Specialist

Henry Street Settlement•New York, NY

4h•$22•Onsite

About The Position

Education and Employment Services is an 8.2-million-dollar division serving about 9000 people each year through a continuum of services from Early Childhood Education through Adult Workforce programs designed to assist individuals in obtaining the skills necessary for lifetime self-sufficiency. Education Services include an Early Learn Program, After School Programs (6 sites), 4 Day Camps, Youth Recreation, High School Initiatives including 2 Community Schools, and our Expanded Horizons College Success Program. Programming takes place within 3 community center sites and multiple school-based programs. Employment Services include walk-in employment services, employment services for a public housing population, ESL job readiness training, and employment services for youth, including SYEP and Young Adult Internship and Adult Literacy Programs. The Activity Specialist reports to the Program Coordinator or Site Supervisor for a specific school-based or community center-based program. We are seeking a motivated and dedicated summer program Activity Specialist to work with youth in grades K-8 in an enriching summer camp program. The ideal candidate will have a passion for youth development, experience in an after-school or camp setting, and the ability to develop engaging lesson plans that foster creativity, academic growth, and positive social interactions. This individual must demonstrate positive and professional character traits, including being dependable, approachable, and adaptable, while maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere for the youth. The specialist will work closely with program staff to implement hands-on, theme-based activities that provide a safe and exciting learning environment for participants.

Requirements

A High School Diploma or HSE is required.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an after-school, camp, or youth program setting, including leading activities and developing lesson plans.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with a diverse group of youth and collaborate with a team of specialists and staff members.
Strong content knowledge of recreational and artistic activities that engage youth.
Thorough understanding of classroom management, behavior management, and positive youth development principles.
A passion for working with youth and providing quality educational, recreational, and artistic experiences.
A strong commitment to the development of all participants.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
A positive, team-oriented attitude and a high level of professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Enrollment in college, particularly in a related field such as Education, Social Work, or Sociology, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead engaging recreational, academic, and artistic activities for youth, creating a positive and inclusive environment.
Develop and implement lesson plans that align with the program’s theme and learning objectives.
Maintain effective classroom management strategies, enforce positive behavior guidelines, and apply youth development principles to create a supportive and organized environment.
Foster an environment where students feel safe, engaged, and encouraged to explore their interests and develop new skills.
Provide hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for students to work collaboratively on projects.
Prepare participants for culminating events, exhibits, and final presentations, helping them gain confidence in their work and share their achievements.
Co-teach with other specialists, assist in leading group activities, walking field trips, and bus trips.
Work as part of a team to create a fun, educational, and inclusive experience for all youth.
Be flexible to work with all youth from grades K-8 as well as support various summer locations in both school-based and community-based settings, if needed.
Engage with youth from diverse backgrounds, tailoring activities to meet the needs of all participants in both school and community center settings.
Maintain accurate records, including attendance sheets and participant progress, and report on participant development regularly.
Ensure all paperwork, certifications, and documents required by NYC DOH regulations are completed and submitted on time.
Understand the Summer Rising and traditional summer camp program models, ensuring that program expectations and department policies are followed at all times.
Attend mandatory training sessions as required by NYC DOH regulations.
Demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of the job, maintaining a positive team-oriented attitude while being flexible and adaptable in the dynamic work environment.