Content Specialist (West Side YMCA)

About the role

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Content Specialist is responsible for selecting and managing program content and curricula for up to three COMPASS programs. The ideal candidate will oversee and support program implementation, provide coaching and training to program staff, and contribute to overall program quality through direct observation and supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Select and manage content across all required program areas. This may also include creating new curricula and lesson plans when necessary.
• Oversee lesson plan implementation and support Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Inclusion Specialists to ensure effective implementation of lesson plans.
• Coach staff by providing targeted strategies and techniques to enhance lesson facilitation, classroom management, and behavior support.
• Review content being shared to ensure it is in alignment with the high-quality standards of the Y Afterschool Programs.
• Provide professional development for program staff to improve overall program quality.
• Support monitoring and evaluating program activities to ensure a safe, high-quality, and positive environment for youth development.
• Assist participants in actively achieving an increased comprehension and retention of specific subject material and improved academic skills in designated areas.
• Help participants develop necessary study skills for academic success.
• Identify participants having trouble; provide encouragement and alternative explanations of subject material.
• Work with the Program Director and school staff to understand the academic expectations of the day school, and develop activities, assignments, practice tests, and strategies accordingly.
• Work with participants and staff to help students develop a high level of motivation in academic areas and positive attitudes toward learning and studying by acknowledging student efforts as well as their 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 that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/sign-out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA's core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
• Actively participate 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.

Qualifications

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

Pay

$44.00 - $48.00 Hourly

Schedule

Part-Time / Regular

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical benefits, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more. Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual's employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.