Activity Specialist: STEM (Cross Island YMCA)

Activity Specialist: STEM (Cross Island YMCA)
Part-Time / Regular
$28.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all. 

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.

The Cross Island YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Activity Specialist will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school-age children and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate STEM instruction for school-aged children in the Y Afterschool program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design a comprehensive STEM curriculum using detailed lesson plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives tailored to stimulate interest and engagement across various grade levels.
  • Ensure all lessons are project-based where possible, encouraging hands-on learning and practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
    
  • Incorporate diverse STEM subjects, including potential projects in coding, robotics, engineering challenges, science experiments, data analysis, or other related fields such as chess and strategy games.
    
  • Support Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs.
    
  • Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in science and engineering projects.
    
  • Include scalable activities and modifications to accommodate varying skill levels and learning paces among participants.
    
  • Assessment: Integrate methods for both formal and informal assessment to track participants’ progress and engagement.
    
  • Work with participants throughout the program to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their work. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event.
    
• Lead and facilitate daily STEM activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
  • Actively use activities to support the development of teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills.
    
  • Provide opportunities for participants to research, discuss, and innovate around local and global scientific and technological issues.
    
  • While the primary focus is STEM, the specialist must be prepared to integrate foundational literacy skills (i.e., reading instructions, writing reports, and research) into projects throughout the year.
    
• 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.
  
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times. 
  
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.