Visual Arts Activity Specialist - Middle (Ozone Park)
About The Position
South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is seeking a Visual Arts Activity Specialist for its Middle School Program in Ozone Park. This part-time position focuses on developing and implementing enrichment activities that foster creativity and self-expression in middle school students. The role involves teaching various aspects of visual arts within an after-school program setting. SAYA is committed to providing a supportive community environment with opportunities for growth, autonomy in project design, and a healthy work-life balance through a school-day schedule and benefits package. SAYA is an inclusive, South Asian-focused youth development organization dedicated to educational equity by empowering less privileged New York City youth academically, emotionally, and socially. Established in 1996, SAYA serves over 1,400 youth annually through programming at nine NYC schools and a community center, aiming to create safe and brave spaces where young people feel valued and culturally affirmed.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of 2 years of academic preparation in visual 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 painting and drawing techniques including but not limited to charcoal and pencil drawing and watercolor, acrylic and oil painting.
- 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.
- Must provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of having received one dose of the two-dose vaccination prior to beginning their employment.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s Degree or current college students preferred
- Other skills desirable could include, but are not limited to digital art, book arts, graphic design, installation or fabrication.
Responsibilities
- Supervise all activities to ensure the health, safety and well-being of program participants.
- Develop lesson plans of age-appropriate visual arts activities and themes that will support the development of social-emotional learning competencies, seek to build imagination and encourage artistic exploration.
- 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.
Benefits
- Access to external opportunities
- Considerable autonomy in designing and implementing new projects and curricula
- School-day schedule
- Generous benefits package
- Healthy work-life balance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
