Description

Organization Overview: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that support services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults through-out Manhattan and New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families.

Position Summary: We are seeking a creative and skilled Arts and Crafts Specialist with a strong focus on DIY projects to join our organization. As an Arts and Crafts Specialist, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and conducting arts and crafts programs and workshops with an emphasis on do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques and projects. You will work closely with teenagers to inspire creativity, foster artistic expression, and provide hands-on guidance for various DIY art projects. The ideal candidate should have a passion for arts and crafts, a strong knowledge of DIY techniques, and the ability to inspire and engage participants.

Schedule: Seasonal program runs for 8 weeks. Scheduled for up to 12 hours per week.

Hourly Rate: $24.00

Qualifications

Under the supervision of the Summer Teen Program Manager, the Activity Specialists will be responsible for, but not limited to the following duties:

Facilitate arts-based workshops for teens between 12-19 years of age, adjusting lesson plans for the age groups.
Design and develop a diverse range of arts and crafts workshops with a primary focus on DIY projects.
Collaborate with site leadership in the planning, development and execution of quality, project-based youth development activities
Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with participants, families & other department staff
Research and explore new and innovative DIY techniques and trends to incorporate into the programs.
Create detailed project plans, including material lists, step-by-step instructions, and visual aids for participants.
Organize and set up arts and crafts stations with necessary materials, tools, and equipment.
Conduct hands-on workshops, providing guidance and support to participants in completing their DIY projects.
Knowledge or willingness to learn how to use a Cricut Die Cutting Machine and it’s software
Demonstrate various DIY techniques, including painting, crafting, upcycling, and other creative processes.
Assist participants in troubleshooting and problem-solving during the creative process.
Encourage participants to explore their creativity, experiment with different materials, and personalize their projects.
Ensure a safe and clean environment during arts and crafts activities, following all safety guidelines and regulations.
Collaborate with other arts and crafts specialists and instructors to share ideas, resources, and best practices.
Maintain an inventory of arts and crafts supplies, restocking materials as needed.
Provide guidance and support in organizing arts and crafts exhibitions or displays to showcase participants' work.
Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and workshops, seeking feedback from participants and making necessary adjustments.
Promote and market arts and crafts programming through various channels, including social media, flyers, and community outreach initiatives.
Support the coordination of a showcase Family & Friends event highlighting youth achievements, artifacts and/or performances in specialty area
Provide support through encouragement and delivering resources
Serve as a role model to youth, always maintaining professionalism and preparedness.
Utilize positive youth development strategies to resolve behavioral challenges and celebrate youth achievement.
Participate in pre-program and ongoing professional development opportunities and daily staff meetings in addition to formal feedback and coaching
Implement all health and safety protocols as required.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or HSE is preferred
Willingness to learn & continue learning and developing through this role
Demonstrated sensitivity & respect of teenagers and young adults, and your community
Strong communication skills 
Comfortable using technology ie. Smartphones, email accounts, Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs 
Able to work at least one weekend day on a rotating schedule.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.