Activity Specialist

Activity Specialist (P.S. 197 The Ocean School - Far Rockaway, Queens) Job Description Posted Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 4:00 AM Company Overview The Child Center of NY strengthens children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives. Founded in 1953, The Child Center of NY has become a powerful community presence throughout the city. With 50 locations and 100 programs in NYC's most under-served communities, our 1,000+ results-oriented professionals make a difference for more than 40,000 children and their families each year. Position Summary The Activity Specialist is responsible for designing and facilitating project-based learning experiences within a specialization and helping young people present those at end-of-semester showcases. Activity Specialists will work with multiple groups of youth of various grades to support skill-building, engagement, and enjoyment in the activity. Essential Functions Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with participants, families, school faculty, and Child Center colleagues and supervisors. Implement positive behavior management systems, focusing on clear expectations for youth behavior; verbal acknowledgement; and systemic rewards for demonstrating desired behaviors. Facilitate activities within your specialization (i.e. dance, team sports, visual arts, cooking, robotics, videography, drumming, etc.), culminating in an end-of-semester performance or showcase led by youth. Develop high-quality project-based lessons that are hands-on and engaging for youth. Engage participants in specialty area activities by providing encouragement, clear direction, and the necessary coaching and resources. Support program events & functions such as: showcases, exhibits, productions, culminating events, field trips, etc. Prepare related paperwork, materials, and activity supplies within required timeframes and expectations. Attend related curriculum and professional development opportunities to build personal/professional skills. Performs other related duties as assigned. Hours Monday - Friday | 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Qualifications College Student or High School Graduate 2 years' experience working with children and/or youth in your specialization Bilingual in one or more of the following: Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali and others based on client needs (Preferred) Exemplary supervisory skills with elementary, middle, and/or high school-aged youth and aptitude for motivating people Proficiency in Microsoft Office Ability to plan and carry out assignments independently Ability to prioritize, adhere to timelines and multi-task The Child Center of NY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other category protected by Federal, State or local law. EOE M/F/D/V #J-18808-Ljbffr