What are the responsibilities and job description for the Activity Specialist position at BronxWorks?
BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger community. In all aspects of our work, we strive for the highest ethical and performance standards and guided by the belief that people are to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their present situation or past experiences. We have 60 locations throughout the borough providing a variety of programs that offer assistance in the areas of family, children and youth support, educational services, elder care, homelessness, mental health, and workforce development. We are an employer of choice for anyone interested in a meaningful career in the social services field.
EDUCATION
• Associate, Bachelor’s, or working toward a Master’s Degree in Science, Biology, Engineering, or Computer Science Preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
EXPERIENCE
• Two years (preferred) direct experience working with children under 14 years of age in a recreational, educational and social environment preferred
• Clearance through New York State Central Registry and New York State Office of Children and Family Services required (will be completed by program once hired)
• Experience with or knowledge of best practices in youth development preferred
• Experience with or knowledge of literacy education preferred
• Specialized skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Music, Sports, Gardening, Culinary Education preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• With program supervisors, set program goals and develop appropriate activities for children
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan team projects and events. Including project-based learning activities.
• Develop, submit and implement weekly STEM lesson plans which are child-centered, age-appropriate & engaging and which promote literacy, thematic exploration, & experiential learning
• Develop an overall STEM plan for the semester or year with a content focus based on Mentor’s specialty, and including a beginning, middle, and end. The plan can be flexible and follow the children's interests with guidance. The plan should include use of the Scientific Method for research and experiments and culminate in students producing final projects.
• Coordinate planning for a Science Fair in June where students present culminating final projects.
• Support the professional development of Youth Workers in their understanding of STEM content and instruction
• Maintain records of children’s work. Submit portfolios as required for program evaluation effort
• Meet regularly with supervisors to present lesson plans, overall plan and receive feedback and assistance
• Create a structured & nurturing environment which supports children’s emotional and social development
• Confer with program supervisors regarding disciplinary issues.
• Assist with planning and implementation of Holiday Camp
• Obtain needed supplies from office and make requests as needed for special supplies
• Submit required reports and paperwork to Program Director. For the Con Edison funded position, this includes photographs, sample lesson plans, or other forms of examples with this report. In addition, funders and families may be invited to the end-of-year Science Fair to see what the children have accomplished.
• Duties assigned by supervisor.
BronxWorks seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. BronxWorks is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. This commitment applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and employee development, placement, promotion, demotion, upgrading, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact hrbenefits@bronxworks.org.
