Activity Specialist (SY 2024 - 2025)

Activity Specialist

Job Summary 

As an employee of Arete and an adult, leading engaging and safe learning activities with students in a Middle School Afterschool Program (Monday - Friday) in the Bronx, we expect excellent performance in all of the following areas below. 

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Attend all weekly shifts on-site 

• Arrive on-time to work

• Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors 

• Keep accurate student attendance records 

• Engage students in your course(s)/club(s) in meaningful and hands-on learning experiences that build skills 

• Maintain friendly and open communication with families 

• Regularly communicate with supervisors and Arete headquarters staff (email, phone)

• Organize and maintain curriculum and lesson materials (binder and digital files)

• Identify needs, make recommendations for, and facilitate the high quality program activities 

• Keep program files organized and up-to-date using Arete Google Apps for staff and student access. Where appropriate, use School-based Google Apps. 

• Set and monitor SMART goals for personal and program success 

• Attend and participate in program-specific events, trainings, and staff meetings

• Practice empathic listening and actively work to build a culture of transparency and trust across the organization 

• Collaborate with other program teams across the organization

• Share photos, videos and captions with Arete social media team 

• Regularly use Arete online tools daily: Google Apps, Paycom 

• Demonstrate exceptional services skills, communication skills, problem solving skills, professionalism, a positive and encouraging demeanor and a “can do” attitude 

• Always represent the Arete Education and Partner schools in the best light, consistent with organizational standards of conduct.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to support the social and emotional development of adolescents

• A commitment to excellence in your work with others as demonstrated by your positive and caring presence with colleagues and members of school community

• Willingness to reflect on strengths and areas for growth to improve individual and team performance

• Willingness to learn new systems, skill sets, and capacities to improve problem-solving and leadership skills

• Ability to work effectively with school aged youth, educators, families, and communities from a wide range of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.

• Ability to work collaboratively, with strong relationship building and communication skills.

• Ability to be polite, positive, and professional in all communications

• Ability to manage time effectively

• Willingness to go the extra mile or try something new

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to be empathetic and listen to others well

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Proficient with all Google Education Apps, Microsoft Office, Zoom Video Conferencing, Social Media apps, video and photo editing apps

Education and Experience

• 2-3 years of experience working in education and/or afterschool industry

• Prior internship or work experience working with Arete Education preferred

• Mandated Reporter and Foundations in Health and Safety online trainings required (7-hours)

• Department of Health and Department of Education background clearance

• High School diploma (Bachelor's Degree preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

• Must be able to traverse classroom and adjust one's tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to support program activities 

Organization 

Arete Education is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization that trains and empowers youth to lead successful lives, by getting students into good colleges, good jobs, and healthy mindsets by closing the experience gap. Arete serves New York City communities, specifically the South Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem through programming and partnerships with public NYCDOE schools, colleges, universities, and industry partners in education, finance, STEM, the arts, and health fields. Arete designs afterschool and summer programming that exposes youth to diverse career pathways; builds academic, wellness, and leadership skills; and expands access to the arts and culture. www.areteeducation.org

*This position is grant-funded and subject to budget considerations