Activity Specialist

Job description

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization, and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

The Role:

The activity specialist supports the social and emotional development and enhances the well-being of our Teen Center’s participants to help them thrive and succeed. In this role you will help to create a safe and supportive environment to enrich the lives of young people on the Lower East Side.

Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with youth that are positive and professional
• Provide guidance and support to youth in their personal and social development
• Collaborates regularly with staff to design and promote an inclusive teen center culture, such as bullying prevention, student leadership opportunities, mentoring, training, and conferences.
• Confidently engage in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and mediations with youth
• Establish and model expectations for behavior and participation/engagement to ensure a safe and positive environment.
• Participate alongside program participants when appropriate and provide active supervision throughout activities.
• Facilitates youth empowerment opportunities through involvement in student organizations, community service, and leadership development opportunities.
• Attends and participates in professional development to improve and maintain knowledge of positive youth development evidence-based strategies and theories.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, training sessions and special events
• Plans, models, and co-leads effective lessons with program coaches and mentors.
• Develop weekly activity lesson plans in your area(s) of specialty that purposefully foster the development of new skills in youth, while reinforcing skills/information previously taught.
• Work with students one-on-one when necessary and be flexible to meet their needs.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate
• Support with program event development and execution
• Distribute and collect participant paperwork, program surveys, and all other requirements outlined by the MCC’s Teen Center Standards.
• Complete all projects and tasks as requested, while ensuring the safety and security of all participants and the smooth operation of programming.
• Provide other program support as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• BA Degree preferred and/or minimum 2 years of experience in youth program supervision

Knowledge and skills:

• Previous experience working with teenagers in an educational or recreational setting is highly desirable.
• Must be able to engage in crisis intervention activities and demonstrate, lead, and teach a range of group activities.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth and family development, and trauma-informed.
• Ability to engage and manage a group of teens effectively.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in supporting teen development.

Key competencies:

• Teamwork
• Responsibility
• Strong Communication & interpersonal skills
• Leadership & Role Modeling
• Integrity
• Conflict resolution & Problem Solving

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Educational Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: $25-$28 per hour

Weekly hours: 25hr/week