Afterschool Program - Activity Specialist

This position has openings in Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx and Brooklyn.

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning

New York Junior Tennis and Learning (NYJTL) is one of the largest afterschool tennis and education-themed community organizations in the United States. We offer comprehensive school and community-based programs throughout New York City’s five boroughs, annually serving around 100,000 NYC youth ages 5-18.

The NYJTL Afterschool Program provides children with safe and nurturing environments in which they can learn and thrive academically, while receiving critical support to reach their potential both on and off the tennis court. The NYJTL Afterschool Program operates in elementary, middle and high schools located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. NYJTL is seeking bright, dedicated individuals who have a strong interest in working with Afterschool Programs.

Position Summary

Inspire students using your specific talents and skills!

The success of our Afterschool Program relies on a variety of engaging activities, and that makes our team of Activity Specialists essential to what we do. These leaders share their expertise with our students, facilitating small and large-group activities based on what they do best. We look for those with both a strong interest in working with youth and who have specific expertise in one or more domains. While we always need specialists in dance, arts and sports, if you have a unique skill we can likely build a role for you! Even though our program has a foundation in tennis, we have activities of all kinds…so no tennis experience required, but certainly welcome!

Activity Specialists develop lesson plans in their area(s) of expertise and reinforce learning with the aid of Group Leaders. Engaging the children is essential, so that they remain interested and continue to grow academically and socially. Activity Specialists should have knowledge of after-school programs and the mandates of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH)

Core Responsibilities

• Supervise participants while maintaining order, providing a conducive learning environment, ensuring their safety.

• Develop weekly activity lesson plans in your area(s) of specialty.

• Facilitate purposeful activities that foster the development of new skills in children, while reinforcing skills/information previously taught.

• Serve as a positive and engaging role model for students; work with students one-on-one when necessary and be flexible to meet their needs.

• Partner with Group Leaders, engaging them in lesson plan development and modeling great facilitation to help Group Leaders develop professionally and eventually become Activity Specialists themselves.

• Provide strong classroom and behavioral management skills, ensuring that all participants follow agency and program rules.

• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.

• Assist in all activities needed for the orderly operation of the program, inclusive of supervising children during meals, facilitating dismissal, conducting field trips, hosting special events, etc.

• Complete all projects and tasks as requested, while ensuring the safety and security of all participants and the smooth operation of programming.

• Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Available during after-school hours, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings); Monday-Friday during the school year and some school holidays.

• High school diploma required; associate degree preferred

• 2+ years experience working with elementary or middle school-aged children

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more specific domains or skills suitable to share with our participants

• Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills

• Ability to create interactive academic and/or enrichment activities that are age-appropriate.

• Genuine enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities and field practice.

• Ability to work as part of a team within a school community.

• Ability to communicate and work effectively and respectfully with a diverse group of youth participants and adult colleagues.

Job Type

• Part Time
• Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Salary

• $23.50 per hour

Please click "Apply" below, or visit our careers page at nyjtl.org to complete an application. Thank you!

NYJTL values the diversity of the people we hire and inspire. Diversity at our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We center equity in all our work and in our hiring practices.