Activity Specialist

BronxWorks MissionBronxWorks 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 ProgramsAcross our 60+ locations, we provide programs in a variety of service areas, including workforce development, children, youth, families, seniors and homeless prevention.BronxWorks AfterschoolBronxWorks 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.ResponsibilitiesWith supervisors, set goals for STEM performing Arts, Literacy, Creative Arts or Physical recreation instructionDevelop STEM curriculum. Develop and implement lessons with program participantsModel instructional techniques for Youth WorkersCoordinate lessons with other planned STEM activities including tripsCreate nurturing environment for youthEngage participants in activities that support academic and creative enrichment and augment the classroom experienceProgram Specific ResponsibilitiesPractice and recognize in others the program values: Cooperation, Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, ToleranceWith program supervisors, set program goals and develop appropriate activities for childrenCollaborate with colleagues to plan team projects and eventsSupervise teenaged junior counselorsEncourage a love of learning and build children’s literacy and academic skillsDevelop, submit and implement weekly lesson plans which are child-centered, age-appropriate & engaging and which promote literacy, thematic exploration, & experiential learningEscort children on trips and identify opportunities for learning both inside and outside the community center facilityMaintain records of children's work. Submit portfolios as required for program evaluation effortMeet regularly with supervisors to present lesson plans, plan for future weeks, and receive feedback and assistanceProvide homework assistance during school yearCreate a structured & nurturing environment which supports children's emotional and social development: Provide constant supervision and engagement of children in careMaintain an organized and child-centered classroom.Promote teamwork and group bondingConference 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 preventionAssist with planning and implementation of Holiday CampObtain needed supplies from office and make requests as needed for special suppliesMaintain attendance records, meal records, sign-out sheets and other necessary paperworkSubmit required reports and paperwork to Program DirectorEngage in activities which promote physical fitness and health: Ensure a physically safe environment for children in careParticipate in all fitness activities including swimming and gymPromote healthy behaviors and foster children's physical developmentProvide first aid and emergency care for children as neededSubmit bi-annual physicalPartner with families to promote sense of communityDevelop and build relationships with parents and families of program participants.QualificationsSome 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 RequirementsAbility 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. 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