Activity Specialist - Music @ PS 169

Part-time, school-year position in the School-Based Programming department at PS169 (4305 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11232). Reports to the Program Director/Supervisor.

About the role

Create, implement, and facilitate age-appropriate music activities for school-aged participants as part of a multidisciplinary team at the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, a nationally recognized social service organization.

Responsibilities

• Design age-appropriate, standards-based music curricula for elementary-age youth in afterschool and summer programs.
• Create activities that promote teamwork, communication, and experimentation in large and small group settings.
• Utilize thoughtful group-management skills (restorative processes instead of punitive discipline) in a non-traditional classroom setting.
• Provide weekly instruction in vocal music and composition, and lead weekly activities for youth of all ages.
• Incorporate the NYS Learning Standards for the Arts and the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards for English Language Arts into the music curriculum.
• Submit lesson plans for all music activities on a weekly basis.
• Attend, supervise, and facilitate activities with participants on field trips and off-site locations around NYC.
• Collaborate with participants to compose and perform songs and musical arrangements showcased in performances for the program, school, and/or community.
• Plan and collaborate with colleagues to produce program-wide performances.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of special events, staff development training, and other community-building activities.
• Support the overall program through additional tasks that allow for efficient and safe operation and successful special events (e.g., supervision of snack time, lunch, and mealtime; dismissal; set-up and breakdown of special events).
• Attend weekly professional development meetings.
• Maintain a high energy level.
• Adhere to all agency and NYC Public School policies, including dress code (CFL T-shirt provided, plus clothing/shoes that allow comfortable movement).
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with participants, volunteers, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Fully engage in all professional development spaces, including staff meetings and individual meetings with supervisor.
• Give and receive feedback from supervisors, colleagues, students, and other school stakeholders in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change.
• Forge mutually respectful partnerships with the people served and their families.
• Reflect on and expand understandings of authority, boundaries, positionality, and conflict resolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum requirement).
• Demonstrable strong vocal music instruction background.
• Skilled in piano and/or guitar accompaniment.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience working with youth of all ages.
• Flexible and able to work well as a member of a multidisciplinary team (artists, teachers, young-adult staff).
• Interest in creating positive experiences for groups of youth, including participants with special needs and challenging behaviors.
• Bilingual (English/Mandarin/Cantonese or English/Spanish) preferred.
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check and medical clearance.

Working Conditions

• Actively engage and interact with children daily.
• Required to be physically active: walking, bending, standing, squatting, or sitting on the floor with children.
• May be exposed to all weather conditions and required to work in various temperatures to facilitate activities in different locations inside and outside the school building.

Benefits

• Voluntary life, disability, flexible spending account, and 403(b) retirement plan.
• 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and up to 20 paid vacation days per year.
• One sick day per month.

Schedule

• 20–24 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 2pm to 6pm (individual schedule assigned by supervisor).
• One afternoon meeting and one evening meeting per week (to be scheduled).
• Occasional holiday camps and extended professional development days.
• Must attend CFL Agency-Wide Retreat.
• Timeframe: September 2026 – June 2027.

Pay

$30 per hour, commensurate with education and experience.