Activity Specialist: Fitness & Nutrition (Harlem YMCA)

The Harlem YMCA, part of the YMCA of Greater New York, empowers youth, improves health, and strengthens community across more than half a million New Yorkers. As an Activity Specialist on the Afterschool staff, you will create a safe, fun, and educational environment for school‑age children, delivering fitness and nutrition instruction and supporting academic enrichment.

About the role

The Activity Specialist provides academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. You will prepare and deliver age‑appropriate fitness and nutrition lessons for grades K‑5, foster a welcoming atmosphere, and help participants develop valuable skills.

Responsibilities

• Create structured, detailed lesson plans aligned with program goals and the HealthyNYC initiative, including objectives, procedures, time management, materials, safety considerations, differentiation, and assessment methods.
• Guide participants in preparing for an end‑of‑cycle showcase, assisting with selection, completion, organization, and setup of presentations.
• Plan, organize, and supervise diverse physical activities such as gym/PE sessions, organized sports, dance, martial arts, fitness games, and recreational exercises.
• Deliver educational activities like cooking demonstrations that teach fundamentals of healthy eating and living.
• Promote an inclusive, respectful environment that embraces participant diversity and supports youth with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Ensure health, safety, and well‑being of participants through constant supervision and adherence to OCFS, DOH, YMCA, school partner, and funder regulations.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign‑in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports).
• Collaborate with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, school staff, and other programs.
• Serve as a positive role model, communicate YMCA core values, and develop positive relationships with parents/guardians through regular updates.
• Participate actively in training sessions, meetings, and special events.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college credits or formal education in a related field preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in fitness and nutrition.
• Direct experience working with children under age 13.
• Coaching certification, if applicable.
• Content expertise 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.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits
• Medical coverage
• Paid time off
• Free YMCA membership
• Additional benefits based on employment status, tenure, and scheduled hours

Pay

$17.00 hourly