Activity Specialist

United Activities Unlimited (UAU) is a community-based agency in Staten Island, NY, providing a wide range of services including job placement, youth development programs, and community outreach to inspire, transform, and empower individuals of all ages. UAU is responsive to the needs of diverse populations and implements programs that support positive outcomes for individuals and communities.

About the role

The Activity Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Educational School-Based Content Specialist and Program Director. This role is responsible for creating and facilitating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for participants enrolled in the COMPASS and SONYC programs. The Activity Specialist delivers high-quality youth development programming that promotes academic achievement, social-emotional growth, creativity, leadership, and positive engagement through project-based learning and specialized enrichment activities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Program Director and Educational School-Based Content Specialist to implement and enhance program curriculum, enrichment activities, and educational initiatives that support participant learning and development.
• Provide evidence of curriculum implementation and contribute to curriculum development through lesson planning, activity documentation, participant assessments, and program feedback.
• Develop and implement specialized activity lesson plans and instructional materials that support academic enrichment, youth development, and program goals.
• Deliver engaging instruction and facilitate activities in individual, small-group, and large-group settings using diverse teaching methods and learning strategies.
• Translate lesson plans into meaningful and interactive learning experiences that maximize participant engagement, creativity, skill development, and overall program participation.
• Independently supervise and manage assigned groups of participants, maintaining appropriate structure, organization, and accountability throughout all program activities.
• Create and maintain a fun, welcoming, and visually appealing environment that encourages learning, exploration, and positive youth engagement.
• Establish a classroom and activity environment conducive to the physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs of participants.
• Facilitate a safe, structured, and productive learning environment that promotes positive youth development, teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.
• Supervise participants during all program components, including instructional periods, enrichment activities, recreation, transitions, special events, field trips, and dismissal procedures, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Model, teach, reinforce, and support age-appropriate social, emotional, and behavioral skills, including respect, responsibility, cooperation, self-regulation, and conflict resolution.
• Utilize positive behavior management strategies and restorative practices to address challenging behaviors and foster a respectful and inclusive program culture.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism, and enthusiasm while serving as a positive role model for participants.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, school personnel, and colleagues to support participant success and strengthen program outcomes.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, activity reports, incident documentation, and other required program records in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist in the preparation, organization, and maintenance of instructional materials, supplies, equipment, and program spaces to support effective program operations.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, workshops, and ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance instructional practices and professional growth.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, compliance requirements, and safety protocols established by regulatory agencies, including the NYC Department of Health, NYC Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
• Support program-wide initiatives, family engagement activities, special events, performances, field trips, and community-based projects as assigned.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as necessary to support the successful operation of the program.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; matriculated college student or better from an accredited university or college preferred.
• Knowledge of a particular subject area or specialty such as STEAM, Art, Music, or organized sports.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with children in a classroom setting, specifically with children under 13 years of age.
• Minimum 1 year of prior experience teaching or facilitating group activities with children under 13 years of age.
• Culturally competent with the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.
• Must pass reference and background checks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and mathematical skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and complete work independently.
• Willing to take initiative and be flexible when needed.
• Excels working in a collaborative environment to achieve target objectives and outcomes.

Skills

• Planning and facilitating specialized enrichment activities in areas such as STEAM, visual and performing arts, organized sports and recreation, music, literacy, academic enrichment, leadership development, health and wellness.
• Creating engaging learning experiences that encourage active participation, skill development, and exploration of new interests.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors in a school-based setting for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors as needed based on appropriate and safe weather conditions.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least 20% of the time.
• Ability to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Ability to observe details at close range.
• Occasional local travel to employer sites, community organizations, and UAU offices (reimbursed in accordance with UAU’s fiscal policies and procedures).

Pay

$23-$28 per hour (based on city, state, and/or federal contractual obligations and budgetary allowances).

Schedule

6-15 hours per week (approximate), part-time, non-exempt/hourly position in Staten Island, NY.