Activity Specialist Chess P.S. 134 LEAPS

ABOUT US:
Flatbush Development Corporation is a dynamic and community-focused organization dedicated to providing high-quality afterschool programs for youth in Brooklyn. Our commitment to youth development and enrichment is at the core of everything we do, and we are proud to be a partner of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Department of Health (DOH) and The Office of Children Services (OCFS).

ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE: 

• Supervisor: Program Director  
• Max Hours: 15 per week
• Compensation: $20 – $25 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Activity Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and facilitating engaging, age-appropriate activities for students in grades K–8 within a school-based afterschool program. This role emphasizes participant supervision, youth development, and professional growth while ensuring alignment with DYCD, DOH, and DOE guidelines. The Activity Specialist fosters creativity, academic growth, and social-emotional development through structured lessons, interactive experiences, and culminating projects or performances that showcase participant achievement.

PARTICIPANT SUPERVISION:

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Ensure adherence to program safety protocols, including health, wellness, and behavior management standards.
• Supervise participants during activities, transitions, and program breaks, addressing behavioral issues with consistency and positive guidance.

ACTIVITY FACILITATION:

• Design and deliver structured, hands-on activities that align with program goals and curriculum frameworks.
• Facilitate Arts, STEM, Literacy, Recreation, and Enrichment Activities that promote engagement, creativity, and critical thinking.
• Plan activities that culminate in projects, showcases, or performances to celebrate student achievement.
• Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs of learners, including multilingual students and those with varying developmental levels.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:

• Support the social-emotional growth of participants by modeling positive behaviors, promoting teamwork, and encouraging problem-solving.
• Apply trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive strategies to engage students effectively.
• Foster resilience, self-confidence, and leadership skills in youth.
• Collaborate with program staff to identify and address individual student needs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Participate in mandatory staff trainings, workshops, and professional development sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Engage in reflective supervision, coaching, and scenario-based learning to improve program delivery and youth outcomes.
• Maintain current knowledge of DYCD, DOH, DOE, and OCFS regulations and best practices in afterschool programming.
• Contribute ideas for program improvement and support a culture of continuous learning among staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in Education, Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field (preferred) or equivalent experience working with school-age youth.
• Experience designing and facilitating structured activities for children in K–8 in one or more specialty areas: Art, Dance, Music Production, Reading, Math, or STEM, Chess, Robotics/Coding
• Knowledge of youth development principles, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practice.
• Strong communication, organizational, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and maintain a positive, professional demeanor.
• Required certifications: CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain), and compliance with OCFS/DYCD training requirements.