Activity Specialist -

BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well‑being. Across 60+ locations the organization provides programs in workforce development, children, youth, families, seniors and homeless prevention. BronxWorks Afterschool offers high‑quality programs that balance academics, recreation, enrichment, and cultural activities to support youth development, build confidence, and cultivate leadership through service learning and civic engagement.

Responsibilities

• With supervisors, set goals for STEM, performing arts, literacy, creative arts, or physical recreation instruction.
• Develop STEM curriculum and implement lessons with program participants.
• Model instructional techniques for Youth Workers.
• Coordinate lessons with other planned STEM activities, including trips.
• Create a nurturing environment for youth and engage participants in activities that support academic and creative enrichment.
• Practice and recognize program values: cooperation, generosity, honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility, tolerance.
• With program supervisors, set program goals and develop appropriate activities for children.
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan team projects and events.
• Supervise teenaged junior counselors.
• Encourage a love of learning and build children’s literacy and academic skills.
• Develop, submit, and implement weekly lesson plans that are child‑centered, age‑appropriate, engaging, and promote literacy, thematic exploration, and experiential learning.
• Escort children on trips and identify learning opportunities inside and outside the community center.
• Maintain records of children’s work and submit portfolios for program evaluation.
• Meet regularly with supervisors to present lesson plans, plan future weeks, and receive feedback.
• Provide homework assistance during the school year.
• Create a structured, nurturing environment that supports children’s emotional and social development.
• Provide constant supervision and engagement of children in care.
• Maintain an organized, child‑centered classroom.
• Promote teamwork and group bonding.
• Conference with program supervisors regarding disciplinary issues or hold conferences with parents as needed.
• Attend training in early childhood development, nutrition and health needs, safety and security procedures, and child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention.
• Assist with planning and implementation of Holiday Camp.
• Obtain needed supplies from the office and request special supplies as needed.
• Maintain attendance records, meal records, sign‑out sheets, and other necessary paperwork.
• Submit required reports and paperwork to the Program Director.
• Engage in activities that promote physical fitness and health; ensure a physically safe environment for children.
• Participate in all fitness activities, including swimming and gym.
• Promote healthy behaviors and foster children’s physical development.
• Provide first aid and emergency care for children as needed; submit bi‑annual physicals.
• Partner with families to promote a sense of community and develop relationships with parents and families of program participants.

Qualifications

• Some college credits; Associate Degree preferred.
• Two years (preferred) direct experience working with children under 13 in a recreational, educational, or social environment.
• Clearance through New York State Central Registry and New York State Office of Children and Family Services required.
• Experience with or knowledge of best practices in youth development (preferred).
• Experience with or knowledge of whole language philosophy (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods.
• Ability to climb five flights of stairs if required for home visits or fieldwork.
• Ability to bend and retrieve objects and/or documents.
• Ability to travel throughout New York City boroughs and adjacent counties via public transportation.
• Ability to travel a minimum of 1 mile within a reasonable time and in all weather conditions, including inclement weather, for home visits or fieldwork.