Activity Specialist: Fitness & Nutrition (Dodge YMCA)

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, we create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.

About the Role

The Activity Specialist will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. The specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate Fitness & Nutrition instruction for grades K-5, ensuring a safe and positive environment for school-age children while providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college credits and formal education in a related field preferred.
• Preference given to individuals who are already experts within their 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfort working with diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Create structured, detailed, and engaging daily or weekly lesson plans that align with program goals and the HealthyNYC initiative, including:
  • Clear, measurable objectives defining what participants should know or be able to do by the end of the session.
  • Detailed procedures outlining step-by-step instructional sequences, including introductions, main activities, and closures.
  • Time management estimates for each activity to ensure smooth flow.
  • Required materials and equipment for the lesson.
  • Safety considerations for physical activities or cooking sessions.
  • Differentiation/modifications to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
  • Assessment methods, such as observations, quick questions, discussions, or simple quizzes.
• Work with participants to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase, guiding them in selecting and finishing pieces for presentation and assisting with event organization and setup.
• Lead diverse physical activities, including:
  • Gym/physical education sessions.
  • Organized sports/sports practice.
  • Dance and martial arts instruction.
  • Fun fitness games.
  • Other structured and supervised recreational physical exercises.
• Conduct educational activities, such as cooking demonstrations or workshops, to teach participants the fundamentals of healthy eating and living.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces diversity.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants through 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, including sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports.
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical coverage, paid time off, and free YMCA membership. Benefit eligibility is determined by employment status (full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.