Activity Specialist: Fitness & Nutrition (Castle Hill YMCA)

About the role

The YMCA of Greater New York empowers youth, improves health, and strengthens community, serving over half a million New Yorkers across 24 branches. The Castle Hill YMCA Afterschool program provides a safe and fun space for school‑age children to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and develop valuable skills. The Activity Specialist will support children’s learning, build strong connections, and have a positive impact on the community while gaining leadership and interpersonal experience.

Responsibilities

• Create structured, detailed, and engaging daily or weekly lesson plans that align with program goals and the HealthyNYC initiative, including clear measurable objectives, detailed procedures, time management, required materials/equipment, safety considerations, differentiation/modifications, and assessment methods.
• Work with participants to prepare them for an end‑of‑cycle showcase, guiding selection and finishing of pieces and assisting with event organization and setup.
• Lead diverse physical activities such as gym/PE sessions, organized sports, dance and martial arts instruction, fun fitness games, and other supervised recreational exercises.
• Conduct educational activities like cooking demonstrations or workshops that teach fundamentals of healthy eating and living.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces diversity and maintains a strength‑based, youth‑focused atmosphere sensitive to participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Ensure health, safety, and well‑being of participants by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.
• Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign‑in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model and communicate the YMCA’s core values and Y Afterschool Program goals to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians through regular communication about child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College credits and formal education in a related field preferred.
• Preference given to individuals who are already experts in the field or college/graduate students working toward such specialization.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of fitness and nutrition.
• Direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Coaching certification, if applicable.
• Content expert in the designated subject matter.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Leadership qualities.
• Comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits
• Medical coverage
• Paid time off
• Free YMCA membership

Pay

$25.00 hourly