Education Specialist (Harlem YMCA)

About the role

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Education Specialist to provide intensive and extensive academic tutoring in math and literacy to children in grades K–8. Programs operate Monday to Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and during public-school breaks.

Responsibilities

• Meet academic standards for tutoring and demonstrate competence in analyzing student’s academic needs.
• Assist participants in actively achieving an increased comprehension and retention of specific subject material and improved academic skill in designated areas.
• Help participants develop necessary study skills for academic success.
• Identify participants having trouble and provide encouragement and alternative explanations of the subject material.
• Assist participants with homework as needed.
• Work with the Site Director, counselors, and school staff to understand academic expectations of day school, and develop activities, assignments, practice tests, and strategies accordingly.
• Document, track, and maintain regular progress and academic records of designated participants.
• Provide feedback regarding participant progress as needed.
• Aid in the development of self-confidence and reduce anxiety or fear of failure in academic work.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision always.
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Counselors, staff, teachers, and other program and school staff.
• Facilitate appropriate professional development opportunities for staff.
• Develop engaging curriculum, create lesson plans together with Afterschool Counselors, and track success.
• 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 (attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident 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.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas of growth.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Education or a related field required.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth in an afterschool or tutoring environment.
• Possess an understanding and knowledge of public-school functions, Common Core, and specific knowledge in age-appropriate math and/or literacy curriculum.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker and Photoshop preferred.
• Must be able to work Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Skills

• Ability to work with children in a supportive and encouraging manner.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and schedules.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, 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.

How to Apply

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization. If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.