Content Specialist, Blvd and Belt After-School Programs
About the role
The Content Specialist plays a critical dual role in curriculum design and instructional leadership within our multisite COMPASS/SONYC Afterschool, Holiday Camp and Summer Camp programs. Operating in temporary housing/shelter settings across two locations in Queens (Elmhurst and Jamaica), the Content Specialist is primarily responsible for the program in the areas of curriculum design and implementation, staff development, incorporating FUSE values, and training.
Responsibilities
Select, adapt, and manage comprehensive program content mapped directly to all mandated Required Content Areas under the COMPASS framework. Content areas include STEM, Literacy, Life Skills, Physical Enrichment/Health Living, Leadership, and College and Career Development.
Design robust, creative lesson plans and source formal curricula when existing materials require modification or development to meet group dynamics, including incorporating SCS’s shared values into daily lessons.
Ensure all curricula and activities are culturally responsive, age-appropriate, engaging, and specifically structured to accommodate the unique socio-emotional needs of youth residing in a shelter setting.
Collaborate with YFS leadership and other content specialists to ensure a consistent approach to curriculum, tools, practices, and events that incorporate FUSE values and other shared values.
Collaborate with YFS leadership to develop outcome measurement tools and improve program performance.
Oversee, guide, and support the daily implementation of activities delivered by Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers.
Conduct routine, structured field observations of program activities and staff to evaluate delivery efficacy, classroom management, and youth engagement.
Provide effective supervision, constructive feedback, one-on-one coaching, and targeted technical training to program staff to elevate instructional quality and compliance.
In the absence of the Program Director, serve as the primary contact for shelter staff and families as well as troubleshoot issues and maintain compliance with all regulations.
Identify professional development gaps across the 6 to 8 instructional staff members and organize or facilitate training blocks aligned with standard youth development frameworks and SCS’s value statements.
Coordinate with YFS leadership and other content specialists to develop and schedule program-wide/YFS workshops and professional development.
Coordinate with vendors to ensure all staff receive a 1-hour mental health training per year and ensure staff are trained and aware of Crisis Navigation plans (optional).
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
Minimum of one year of formal experience in a supervisory or program oversight capacity. This must encompass direct staff supervision, training/coaching execution, and accountability for program content management/development.
Familiarity with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC, SEL implementation, youth mental health referral processes, mandated reporting, disability inclusion, and trauma-informed youth development preferred.
Native or professional bilingual fluency in Spanish is a requirement to interface effectively with youth and families in the shelter system.
Setting Expertise: Proven experience working with vulnerable, high-risk, or transient populations (e.g., youth in temporary housing, foster care, or justice-involved settings) utilizing trauma-informed approaches is highly preferred.
Demonstrated cultural competence concerning local communities.
Computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google Workspace.
Proficiency in the use of technology (i.e., laptops, computers, tablets).
Demonstrated ability and willingness to travel reliably and punctually between sites in Elmhurst and Jamaica, Queens.
Schedule & Operational Compliance
In-Person Requirement: While Sunnyside Community Services does offer a hybrid schedule, this role is required to be in-person for all program days.
Mandatory full attendance and active program leadership during predetermined 13 holiday camps and the 7 weeks of summer camp operations.
Role may shift based on programmatic needs or due to contractual changes; additional tasks may be assigned as needed.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Flexible spending account and transit checks
Employee Assistance Program
Annually 26 PTO days of varying categories, 12 paid sick days, 10 paid holidays
Life Insurance and long-term disability
How To Apply
If you would like to join our team, please forward a cover letter, and resume with subject line: “SV Content Specialist” to: Francis Sanchez, Senior Director, at Fsanchez@scsny.org.