Program Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., for up to 20 program hours per week, plus required meetings; availability during some school holidays is also required.
• Ability to work the full school year through June 2027.
• At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings such as after-school programs, camps, schools, or recreational programs.
• Demonstrated experience in youth development, leadership education, social-emotional learning, education, or a related field.
• Ability to facilitate meaningful discussions and engaging group activities.
• Strong communication, classroom management, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and engage students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to create structured lesson plans that promote personal growth and leadership.
• Dependable, professional, empathetic, patient, and enthusiastic approach.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
• Knowledge of SEL frameworks, youth leadership development, and positive youth development practices.
• College degree, SEL training, youth development certification, 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 social-emotional learning lessons, leadership workshops, and group activities.
• Introduce students to self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Develop activities that strengthen communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
• Facilitate discussions about identity, self-confidence, empathy, respect, inclusion, and personal responsibility.
• Help students explore leadership styles, set personal goals, and develop decision-making skills.
• Design team-building activities and collaborative projects that promote positive peer relationships.
• Encourage student leadership through peer mentoring, student councils, community service, and student-led initiatives.
• Create service-learning opportunities for students to identify community needs and develop solutions.
• Maintain a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment that encourages student voice and participation.
• Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation.
• 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 into activities.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
• Lead inclusive, differentiated, hands-on sessions; establish expectations and routines; build relationships with youth; 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 in accordance with agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies.
• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.