Afterschool Activity Specialist

Company: YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood
Location: New York, NY
Posted: 2026-09-02

Job description

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Location and Job Title:

Afterschool Activity Specialist
YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood
54 Nagle Ave
New York, NY 10040

Principal Responsibilities:

ABOUT THE YWHI AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

The YWHI Afterschool Program at PS.187 provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging space where children and youth can learn, grow, build friendships, and explore their interests beyond the school day. Our program combines academic support, enrichment, recreation, creativity, and social-emotional learning (SEL) to help participants develop skills that support success in school and in everyday life.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Activity Specialist is an expert in all things. leads engaging, age-appropriate activities that support students' social-emotional learning, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. They create a positive and inclusive environment where students can explore their interests, build new skills, and have fun after school. He/she is responsible for developing guitar-related activities and lessons while fostering a fun, inclusive, and respectful environment that welcomes all participants from diverse backgrounds. The person in this role is a role model to youth, always conducting him/herself in the utmost professional manner and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plan and lead interactive activities, workshops, and group projects.
Encourage teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
Support students in developing confidence, leadership, and positive relationships.
Adapt activities to meet the needs and interests of different age groups.
Maintain a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.
Build positive relationships with students and encourage active participation.
Incorporate SEL, arts, STEM, sports, recreation, and enrichment activities into programming.
Work collaboratively with program staff to provide a high-quality afterschool experience.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Part-time 4:00 pm - 5:45 pm (hours may vary)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a typical community center environment.
Participants between the ages of 5-13

COMPENSATION

Work paid at $22 an hour.

Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

High School Diploma; Teaching credential, preferred
CPR and First Aid Certification preferred
At least three (3) years of experience teaching elementary-age students in the field of movement and dance
Knowledge of principles of youth development
Proven ability to exercise mature judgment and sound decision making
Excellent communication skills; can speak professionally to participants, staff members, and guests
Experience working in a multiethnic, urban community
Experience promoting the physical, intellectual, social, cultural and emotional well-being of elementary-age students
Comfortable to learn and model universal Jewish values while working in and with a large, diverse population

WORK AUTHORIZATION & CLEARANCE

Documentation of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S.
Must pass the required background check, medical tests, and clearances.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Salary:

Under $25,000

Agency Information:

Established in 1917 as one of the first Jewish community centers in New York City, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the Y) is a thriving and visionary not-for-profit human services organization in Northern Manhattan. We welcome people of diverse ethnicities and all ages, from pre-school to older adults, into the Y family with a wide range of educational, recreational and social services and programs that focus on improving the quality of their lives. With a long and distinguished history, the Y is a multi-service community center that is well known for its nurturing environment and non-judgmental philosophy.