Activity Specialist

Position Overview

Zone 126 is seeking to hire an Activity Specialist responsible for designing, planning, and facilitating project-based learning experiences with a cohort of students in the afterschool program at Long Island City High School.

Activities include a broad range of social, recreational, and artistic activities that promote creativity, self-expression, teamwork, discipline commitment, and fun in learning. Including but not limited to crafting, media, entertainment, volunteerism, gaming, and bilingual success.

The Activity Specialist reports to the Director of After School Program and will play a key role in recruiting and mentoring student participants to keep them engaged in afterschool and other Zone 126 programs and services. The position is grant-funded, and the roles will conclude in mid-June, but there is a strong possibility of returning in September when school resumes.

Essential Responsibilities

• Collaborate with site leadership in the planning, development and execution of quality, age-appropriate youth development activities.
• Implement and develop lessons and activities aligned with program goals to support the academic success and the social/emotional development of participants.
• Create and distribute materials during lunchtime outreach to stimulate interest in afterschool program clubs.
• Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with participants, families & school faculty.
• Quickly identify and seek to resolve conflicts in consultation with the Director of After School Program.
• Plan and post activity schedules and work products in designated areas.
• Engage participants in specialty area activities and coordinate special culminating events, such as showcases, exhibits, productions, etc.
• Keep inventory and maintain all program supplies and equipment in an organized, safe, and secure location.
• Follow supply ordering and expense reimbursement procedures.
• Provide support through encouragement and delivery resources and referrals available through Zone 126.
• Prepare periodic reports and materials that show participant engagement and progress.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and complete administrative responsibilities as required.
• Timely submit all program related documents.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• H.S. diploma required. College students a plus.
• Experience working with youth; middle school or high school students preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish or Bengali a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• The ideal candidate is personable and has an aptitude for motivating people.
• Ability to speak professionally to staff members, parents, students, and various community partners.
• Ability to plan and carry out assignments independently.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds occasionally to assist with program activities & setup.
• DOE Fingerprinting Clearance is required for all school-based staff. Fingerprinting costs are reimbursable after 90 days of successful employment.

Work Location and Schedule

• School-based role based at Long Island City High School.
• Part time; 15 hours per week
• Candidates must be available 3 days per week, 5 hours per day; Monday through Friday between 12pm and 6pm.
• Before and after-school hours, weekends, and special event support will be planned in advance.

Pre-Employment Requirements

As a condition of employment, candidates receiving a conditional offer must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, clearances, and documentation prior to their start date. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• NYC Public Schools Personnel Eligibility Tracking System (PETS) clearance, as applicable.
• NYC DOHMH IdentoGO fingerprinting for School-Age Child Care (SACC).
• New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Statewide Central Register (SCR) clearance.
• Completion of all required New York State Education Department (NYSED) and OCFS forms and documentation.
• A current medical examination, including required tuberculosis (TB) screening.
• Verification of work authorization and any additional clearances required by FCNY, Zone 126, NYC Public Schools, NYC DOHMH, NYSED, OCFS, DYCD, or other applicable regulatory agencies.

Salary and Benefits

• Hourly Rate Range $25

About Zone 126

Zone 126 is a community-based nonprofit organization in Queens, NY whose mission is to is to combat chronic absenteeism by connecting students to youth development programming that builds pathways to college, the workforce, and promising futures.

Zone 126 envisions a community in which all students have the support needed to participate in their education and pursue successful futures that break generational cycles of poverty.

For additional information on our sites and programs, visit