Activity Specialist: Fitness & Nutrition (Dodge YMCA)

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

About the role

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.

The Activity Specialist will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. The role involves preparing and delivering age-appropriate Fitness & Nutrition instruction for grades K-5.

Responsibilities

• Create structured, detailed, and engaging daily or weekly lesson plans that align with program goals and the HealthyNYC initiative, including:
  • Clear, Measurable Objectives: Define specifically what participants should know or be able to do by the end of the session.
  • Detailed Procedures: Outline a step-by-step instructional sequence that includes introductions ("hooks" to grab attention), main activities, and closures/wrap-ups.
  • Time Management: Estimate the time required for each activity to ensure effective use of time and a smooth flow.
  • Required Materials/Equipment: List all necessary resources and supplies for the lesson.
  • Safety Considerations: Plan for any necessary safety precautions during physical activities or cooking sessions.
  • Differentiation/Modifications: Include alternative approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds within the group.
  • Assessment Methods: Incorporate formal and informal checks for understanding throughout the lesson (e.g., observations, quick questions, discussions, or simple quizzes).
• Work with participants to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their accomplishments. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for presentation, and assist with the organization and setup of the event.
• Lead diverse physical activities based on lesson plans, 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, designed to teach participants the fundamentals of healthy eating and living.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Ensure the 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, and incident reports, as appropriate).
• 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 and caregivers through regular communication about their 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 within their field or college/graduate students working towards 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 comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including:

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

Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.

Pay

$18.00 hourly.

Location: Dodge YMCA, Brooklyn, NY.