Activity Specialist: Leadership & College Readiness (Harlem YMCA)

Salary: $17.00 hourly

About the role

The Harlem YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist to join the Y Afterschool staff team. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Activity Specialist provides academic enhancement and enrichment for school‑age children, including during Holiday Camps. The role creates a safe, fun space where kids can learn, grow, and develop valuable skills while supporting the YMCA’s mission to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community.

Responsibilities

• Implement a leadership curriculum that builds leadership skills, civic engagement, and social responsibility.
• Design activities that develop critical life skills such as decision‑making, effective communication, teamwork, ethical thinking, problem‑solving, and financial literacy.
• Ensure all activities are engaging, relevant, and encourage active participation in both school and community settings.
• Lead various leadership initiatives, including:
  • Service Learning Projects – organize community service projects aligned with academic objectives.
  • Civic Engagement – foster understanding of local governance, community involvement, and active citizenship.
  • Academic/Career Transition Support – assist participants with high‑school selection, post‑secondary options, and career pathway planning.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces participant diversity.
• Create and maintain a strength‑based, youth‑focused atmosphere sensitive to participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well‑being of participants by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Collaborate 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 for participants.
• Communicate YMCA core values and Y Afterschool program goals to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians through regular communication about each child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Participate actively in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College credits and formal education in a related field preferred.
• Preference given to individuals who are experts in their field (e.g., higher‑education advisers, guidance counselors) or college/graduate students working toward such specialization.
• Direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
• 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.

Benefits

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