Part-Time Cooking Activity Specialist - The Facing History School

About the role

The YWCA of the City of New York (YWCA NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. As a multiracial social justice organization, it addresses issues at the intersection of race, class, and gender, serving over 3,000 NYC youth each year through high school Girls Initiatives, after‑school COMPASS and SONYC programs, and culturally responsive youth development programming. The Cooking Activity Specialist will plan, deliver, and supervise engaging, age‑appropriate activities in an afterschool setting, fostering a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment while collaborating with program leadership and school staff. Position located in Hell’s Kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver sequenced units and lessons using Understanding by Design (UbD) that integrate DYCD content areas and youth development principles.
• Develop measurable learning objectives and assessments (exit tickets, rubrics, work samples) tied to UbD transfer goals.
• Create hands‑on, inquiry‑based activities that spark curiosity and expose students to new ways of thinking.
• Infuse SEL strategies, trauma‑informed practices, and culturally responsive approaches into daily instruction.
• Differentiate instruction and apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies to meet diverse learner needs and abilities.
• Ensure all activities and curricula align with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, program goals, and student interests.
• Adapt curriculum and teaching strategies based on student needs, assessment data, and feedback.
• Lead a culminating curriculum showcase at the end of each instructional cycle to demonstrate student learning and growth to families, school staff, and stakeholders.
• Maintain a positive, student‑centered, and safe learning environment through effective classroom management and behavior supports.
• Follow DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, site safety protocols, and SACC/DOH regulations.
• Complete required documentation: attendance, lesson logs, incident reports, and program data entry (DYCD Connect as applicable).
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and observation/coaching cycles.
• Always supervise participants, ensuring their safety and well‑being in compliance with YWCA policies.
• Coordinate with Program Director, Education Specialists, and school staff to align after‑school activities with school‑day goals.
• Communicate regularly with families about student progress and showcase events.
• Support recruitment, attendance strategies, and sustain positive relationships with school partners.
• Support field trips, community‑building events, and other enrichment opportunities to enhance program impact.
• Physical demands: regularly talk and listen; position is very active requiring standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping all day; occasionally lift and/or move items under 20 pounds; use stairs during fire drills from the fourth floor to ground level unless physically unable; typing required for composing emails and writing reports.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or 18 credits in education, Youth Development, Arts, STEM, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 1–2 years experience delivering activities to school‑age youth in after‑school or OST settings.
• Experience with project‑based learning, UbD, SEL integration, or similar curriculum frameworks.
• Familiarity with inclusive practices for children with diverse needs (IEP/504/IAP accommodations).
• Strong classroom management, planning, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with basic digital tools (Google Workspace, MS Office).
• CPR/First Aid and clearances (DOHMH, SCR, DCJS/SOR) required or willingness to obtain.
• Commitment to promoting YW‑NYC’s social justice mission and educational and youth development philosophy.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 403(b) Plan
• Retirement plan

Schedule

Expected hours: 9–12 hours per week. Hours fluctuate depending on the school's needs; general operation hours range from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, with variation based on school needs.