Activity Specialist (Literacy)

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Activity Specialist is responsible for leading high-quality instructional and enrichment activities for students participating in the afterschool and summer programs. This position requires subject-matter expertise in a specialized activity area such as STEAM, literacy, sports, academic support, health and fitness, or visual and performing arts. The Activity Specialist is responsible for curriculum implementation, lesson planning, classroom management, and fostering a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment for all participants. Must be available to work during designated afterschool and/or summer program hours.

Children’s Aid Mission:

To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Children’s Aid annually serves children and their families at over 40 sites in New York, as well as through three national program models. Children’s Aid is concentrating its efforts on creating cradle-through-college pathways in high-need neighborhoods, with a focus on children’s health, family stability, education, and social and emotional development.

Culture and Values

We put children, youth, and families first: We listen to and incorporate the voices of children, youth and families in all that we do.
We seek equity and transformation in our communities: We courageously work within and outside systems to create opportunities for children, youth and families.
We strive for excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.
We are powered by collaboration: Our work is stronger when we trust, partner, and respect each other and the communities we serve.
We are driven by compassion: We lead with kindness, care, and empathy and believe in the endless potential of the people we serve and our team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Supervise and manage groups of up to 20 participants in a structured program setting.
• Demonstrate strong moral, ethical, and professional conduct, serving as a positive role model for youth.
• Develop, plan, and implement lessons aligned with program curriculum, themes, and project-based learning objectives.
• Lead and instruct specialty enrichment activities requiring specific expertise in areas including but not limited to STEAM, literacy, academic support, sports, health and fitness, and visual and performing arts.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and program staff in the development and implementation of program themes and instructional activities.
• Monitor student progress and performance and utilize engaging, age-appropriate, and intentional instructional materials.
• Adapt instructional strategies to meet the diverse learning needs and abilities of participants.
• Facilitate and inspire youth-led projects that promote creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking.
• Establish and maintain effective classroom management and behavioral expectations.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with children and their families.
• Provide consistent encouragement, guidance, and support to participants.
• Plan, organize, teach, and supervise games and recreational activities.
• Assist with tasks necessary for the overall operation of the program.
• Actively supervise participants during mealtimes, transitions, and off-site trips.
• Ensure program equipment and materials are properly signed out, maintained, cleaned, and returned.
• Attend and actively participate in required staff meetings, professional development, and trainings.
• Work cooperatively and professionally with other staff members, school personnel, and program partners.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including leading or supporting special events

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with children in the relevant area of specialization (e.g., STEAM, literacy, sports, academic support, arts).
• Demonstrated expertise or advanced experience in a specific activity area; subject-matter specialists or practitioners preferred.
• Experience working in a school setting or out-of-school-time program preferred.

Key Competencies:
• Knowledge and understanding of child and youth development.
• Strong instructional planning and program implementation skills.
• Ability to engage and manage groups of children in a structured learning environment.
• Experience working collaboratively with children, families, and staff.
• Effective communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt instruction to meet diverse learning needs.