Program Specialist, After School Programming (P/T, M-F 2:30-6pm) (F/T Summer HRS)

About the role

The Salvation Army Brooklyn Brownsville Corps provides church services, a food pantry, day care, and after‑school programming. Under the direct supervision of the Middle School Program Director and the Corps Officers, the Program Specialist runs daily activities for middle‑school‑aged youth — including homework help, serving meals and snacks, sports, music, arts and crafts, creative arts, off‑site field trips, and general day‑to‑day supervision. The role also covers administrative duties such as record keeping, statistics, enrollment paperwork, food‑service documentation, and grant‑funding paperwork. The Specialist supports the Program Director and is expected to assume greater leadership responsibility in the Director’s absence.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead daily program activities: homework assistance, meal/snack service, sports, music, arts and crafts, creative arts, and off‑site field trips.
• Provide general supervision of children throughout the program day.
• Maintain administrative records: attendance, statistics, enrollment forms, food‑service logs, and grant‑related paperwork.
• Support the Program Director and step into leadership duties when the Director is unavailable.
• Participate fully in the total program — classroom, dining room, indoor/outdoor activities, and daily assembly.
• Promote observance of the moral and ethical code for children and staff.
• Complete orientation sessions and attend all parent meetings.
• Attend and contribute to Program Leadership Meetings.
• Help plan and conduct General Staff Meetings.
• Communicate regularly with the Program Director and Corps Officers on matters affecting the welfare of the Middle School Program.
• Complete a year‑end debrief (school year and summer camp) highlighting areas of concern for the following program year.
• Assist with Corps programming as directed by the Program Director and Corps Officers.
• Support seasonal Corps activities such as back‑to‑school supply drives, toy drives, and coat drives.
• Help the Program Director advance the mission by identifying children and families in need of additional services and connecting them to Corps Officers.
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate’s Degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in youth or camp programming; ability to teach and enthuse others preferred.
• Willingness to lead students and families in devotions from the Bible (preferred, not required).
• High energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of working with children.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Attention to detail and consistent follow‑through.
• Critical thinking, sound judgement, and the ability to complete work independently.
• Collaborative attitude with experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate with and instruct groups of various ages and skill levels.
• Comfort working with children who have behavioral challenges or learning differences.
• Leadership experience with peers and in organized/specialized programming.
• Current CPR & First Aid certifications, or willingness to obtain them.
• Physical ability to respond quickly and appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
• Availability for part‑time hours on school days and full‑time hours on non‑school days (holidays and summer).
• Driver’s license preferred.

Schedule

School year (September–June): Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM. Summer break (seven weeks): full‑day schedule, 35 hours per week for summer day camp. Position is in‑person with required regional travel for field trips with children.