Content Specialist (Rockaway YMCA)

The YMCA of Greater New York empowers youth, improves health, and strengthens community across 24 branches, serving more than half a million New Yorkers. Through its “LEAP” career framework, the organization fosters a people‑first culture of trust, inclusion, growth, and development.

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 the community. The Rockaway YMCA is seeking a Content Specialist to select and manage program content and curricula for up to three COMPASS programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Select and manage content across all required program areas, creating new curricula and lesson plans when necessary.
• Oversee lesson‑plan implementation and support Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Inclusion Specialists to ensure effective delivery.
• Coach staff by providing targeted strategies and techniques to enhance lesson facilitation, classroom management, and behavior support.
• Review shared content to ensure alignment with Y Afterschool high‑quality standards.
• Provide professional development for program staff to improve overall program quality.
• Support monitoring and evaluating program activities to maintain a safe, high‑quality, and positive environment for youth development.
• Assist participants in achieving increased comprehension, retention, and academic skills in designated areas.
• Help participants develop study skills for academic success and provide encouragement and alternative explanations for those struggling.
• Collaborate with the Program Director and school staff to understand academic expectations and develop appropriate activities, assignments, practice tests, and strategies.
• Motivate participants toward academic achievement by acknowledging effort, progress, and achievements.
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool staff, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Create and maintain a strength‑based, youth‑focused atmosphere sensitive to participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign‑in/sign‑out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants and communicate YMCA core values and program goals to participants and caregivers.
• Participate actively in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Minimum of two (2) years experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in a supervisory/oversight position, including management and development of program content, staff supervision, training, and coaching.
• Experience developing education‑based curriculum/lesson plans.

Skills

• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Benefits

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

Pay

$35.00 – $42.00 hourly

Employment Type

Part‑Time / Regular