Activity Specialist- Middle School SONYC Program STARTING FALL 2026

The Activity Specialist plans and leads high-quality, project-based activities in a specific content area (e.g., arts, STEM, sports, dance, leadership, media, etc.) for participants in a DYCD-funded after-school program. The Activity Specialist creates engaging, age-appropriate experiences that build skills, promote creativity, and support positive youth development.

School Year Program Dates September 2026 - June 2027

(Mandatory orientation and training sessions will take place during the last two weeks of August.)

Core Responsibilities

• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
• Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Curriculum & Activity Planning

• Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in assigned specialty area.
• Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance; maintain an organized, safe activity space.

Facilitation & Youth Engagement

• Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.
• Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
• Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
• Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
• Assist in all activities needed for the orderly operation of the program, inclusive of: supervising participants during snack/supper, facilitating dismissal, conducting field trips, hosting special events, etc.
• Provide strong classroom and behavioral management skills, ensuring that all participants follow agency and program rules

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Actively participate in all aspects of professional development, including scheduled supervision, team meetings, pre-service training, and additional paid professional development training required. Demonstrate key competencies including: initiative, teamwork, cooperation, preparedness, professionalism, reliability and a willingness to continuously improve
• Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
• Build positive relations with youth and adults to serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
• Adhere to and provide direction to staff in a manner that ensures that program areas are neat and clean, and that equipment and supplies are managed appropriately.

Safety, Documentation, & Compliance

• Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area., * 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., * May be required to go up and down stairs.
• May have to lift or move objects, small furniture, or other program materials.
• This role may require occasional engagement with community members and partners outside of the physical worksite, including attendance at off-site events, meetings, or outreach activities.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in the specialty area (arts, STEM, sports, etc.).
• 2+years’ experience working with children or youth in group settings (after-school, camp, school, recreational program).
• Knowledge of DYCD and DOH mandates
• Knowledge of classroom management.
• Knowledgeable of zoom, Microsoft teams, Google classroom, and Google Meet.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage, motivate and effectively work to create interactive 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
• Ability to communicate and work effectively and respectfully with a broad range of diverse constituents.

Preferred:

• Some college coursework or degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or related field.
• Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
• Bilingual language skills.

Pay: From $20.00 per hour