Activity Specialist

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 37 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.

 RESPONSIBILITIES 

•  Create a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for students. 
• Serve as a positive role model that promotes positive relationships, effective and open communication, respect, collaboration as well as personal and academic growth. 
• Work with the team to create a nurturing and supportive environment for the youth. 
• Implement various recreational, educational, social, and team building activities. 
• Provide classroom management and instruction. 
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions and professional development workshops.  
• Meet monthly Program Coordinator for supervision. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned by manager. 

 Program Specific Responsibilities

• With program supervisors, set program goals and develop appropriate activities for children
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan team projects and events
• Develop, submit and implement weekly lesson plans related to specialized activity which are child-centered, age-appropriate & engaging and which promote literacy, thematic exploration, & experiential learning
• Escort children on trips and identify opportunities for learning both inside and outside the school
• Maintain records of children’s work. Submit portfolios as required for program evaluation effort
• Meet regularly with supervisors to present lesson plans, plan for future weeks, and receive feedback and assistance
• Create a structured & nurturing environment which supports children’s emotional and social development
• Provide constant supervision and engagement of children in care
• Maintain an organized and child-centered classroom.
• Promote teamwork and group bonding
• Confer with program supervisors regarding disciplinary issues. Hold conferences with parents as needed
• Attend trainings in principles of youth development, nutrition and health needs, safety and security procedures, and child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention
• Assist with planning and implementation of Holiday Camp
• Obtain needed supplies from office and make requests as needed for special supplies
• Maintain attendance records, meal records sign-out sheets and other necessary paperwork
• Submit required reports and paperwork to Program Coordinator

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• High School Diploma required 
• Associate Degree and/or some college credits preferred 
• Two years (preferred) direct experience working with children under 12 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 whole language philosophy preferred 
• Specialized skills in one to two of the following areas require: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Music, Sports, Culinary Education, Dance, Cheerleading, Public Speaking/Spoken Word, Required  

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods. 
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. 
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time. 
• Ability to climb five flights of stairs, if required to conduct home visits and/or fieldwork. 
• Ability to bend and retrieve objects and/or documents. 
• Ability to travel in the boroughs of New York City and its adjacent counties via public transportation. 
• Ability to travel for a minimum of 1 mile within a reasonable amount of time and in all types of weather, including inclement weather, if required to conduct home visits and/or field work. 

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.