Summer Percussion Activity Specialist - Elementary (Ozone Park)

South Asian Youth Action Inc.•New York, NY

9h•Onsite

About The Position

South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is seeking a Summer Percussion Activity Specialist for its Elementary Program at MS 202 in Ozone Park, NY. This is a part-time, temporary position for the summer break, with potential for rehire. SAYA is a youth development nonprofit committed to providing employees with growth opportunities in a supportive community environment, offering a healthy work-life balance with a school-day schedule and a generous benefits package. The organization focuses on educational equity, empowering underserved New York City youth academically, emotionally, and socially. SAYA provides valuable life skills and holistic programming, including leadership and identity development, academic support, college preparation, and activities that nurture creativity and build positive peer connections. The Activity Specialist will teach youth the fundamental principles of instrumental learning and percussion skills, select appropriate music and instructional aids, and integrate youth into the world of percussion with a positive attitude and effective strategies.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of academic preparation in percussion performance, music education, drumming ensembles, or equivalent training.
Comfortable using both traditional percussion instruments and “found object” instruments (buckets, cans, shakers, etc.).
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.
A genuine enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities and field practice.
Comply with School Age Child Care (SACC) requirements including background check and medical clearance.

Nice To Haves

Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or current college students preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

Supervise all activities to ensure the health, safety and well-being of program participants.
Develop lesson plans of creative percussion activities and themes that will support the development of social-emotional learning competencies, seek to build skills and encourage collaboration.
Teach fundamental rhythm concepts (steady beat, tempo, dynamics, patterns) through age‑appropriate activities, games, and ensemble exercises
Encourage student creativity by guiding them in constructing or decorating their own percussion instruments from everyday material such as such as buckets, cans, shakers, and other safe household items.
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.