Activity Specialist

BronxWorks Mission

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 are guided by the belief that people are to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their present situation or past experiences.

BronxWorks Programs

Across our 60+ locations, we provide programs in a variety of service areas, including workforce development, children, youth, families, seniors and homeless prevention.

BronxWorks Afterschool Program

BronxWorks Afterschool offers high quality programs that have a strong balance of academics, recreation, enrichment, and cultural activities to support and strengthen the overall development of youths. BronxWorks Afterschool aims to help young people build skills to support their academic achievement, raise their confidence and cultivate their leadership skills through service learning and other civic engagement opportunities.

Responsibilities

With supervisors, set goals for STEM performing Arts, Literacy, Creative Arts or Physical recreation instruction

• Develop STEM curriculum. Develop and implement lessons with program participants
• Model instructional techniques for Youth Workers
• Coordinate lessons with other planned STEM activities including trips
• Create nurturing environment for youth
• Engage participants in activities that support academic and creative enrichment and augment the classroom experience

Program Specific Responsibilities

• Practice and recognize in others the program values: Cooperation, Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, Tolerance
• With program supervisors, set program goals and develop appropriate activities for children
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan team projects and events
• Supervise teenaged junior counselors
• Encourage a love of learning and build children’s literacy and academic skills
• Develop, submit and implement weekly lesson plans 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 community center facility
• 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
• Provide homework assistance during school year
• 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

• Conference with program supervisors regarding disciplinary issues or hold conferences with parents as needed.
• Attend training in principles of early childhood 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 Director
• Engage in activities which promote physical fitness and health

• Ensure a physically safe environment for children in care
• Participate in all fitness activities including swimming and gym
• Promote healthy behaviors and foster children's physical development

• Provide first aid and emergency care for children as needed
• Submit bi-annual physical
• Partner with families to promote sense of community
• Develop and build relationships with parents and families of program participants.

Qualifications

• Some College credits, Associate Degree preferred.
• Two years direct experience working with children under 13 years of age youth 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
• Experience with or knowledge of best practices in youth development preferred
• Experience with or knowledge of whole language philosophy preferred

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.