After Care Activity Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Activity Specialist is responsible for planning and executing recreational or arts activities and providing overall supervision to participants. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and provide age-appropriate fine or performing arts, arts and crafts, team building, nature or sports instruction for participants in scheduled session programs. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times. 
• Plan and implement meaningful programs and special events that are structured, age-appropriate, fun, exciting, challenging, and based in the areas of fine or performing arts, arts and crafts, team building, nature or sports. 
• Teach participants the fundamentals of fine or performing arts, arts and crafts, team building, ropes course or sports; including activities that build their level of skill and confidence. 
• Support the planning and implementation of all structured recreational and sports programs, including but not limited to learning initiatives, tournaments, projects, and culminating performances. 
• Work cooperatively with all program staff. 
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants. 
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences. 
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate). 
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the YMCA program to staff, participants, and care givers. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas of growth. 
• Attend all required pre-camp trainings. Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, online trainings, and special events. 
• Adhere to all Department of Health and YMCA of Long Island standards, expectations and regulations. 
• Ensure program, staff and patrons maintain hygiene habits/practices in accordance with CDC guidelines.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Inclusion 
• Emotional Maturity 
• Communication and Influence
• Functional Expertise
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making
• Ability to Plan Ahead

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates Degree or 9 educational credits in Elementary Education, Science, Art or a related field; Bachelor’s Degree preferred OR experience in given area.
• Minimum one year of experience working with youth, specifically in area of specialty.
• Formal certification in area of specialty preferred.
• Knowledge of youth development stages.
• Experience implementing programs in area of specialty. 
• Strong communication and relationship building skills.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
• May be required to go to multiple locations in South Huntington and Huntington School Districts