Activity Specialist

Activity SpecialistNew York, NY 10034OverviewSalary Range $20.00 - $25.00 Hourly Level Experienced Education Level High School Category EducationDescriptionJob Description – Activity SpecialistOUR MISSIONOur mission is to inspire and empower all young people to take control of their future.OUR VISIONWe envision a world where everyone has access to an equitable path to success.PROGRAM DESIGNRoads to Success (RTS) facilitates a variety of youth programs including after-school programs, summer camps, retreats, conferences, and summer employment opportunities reaching thousands of young people throughout New York City each year.RTS emphasizes the youth development practice of the Circle of Courage throughout its programs, creating environments of Belonging, where young people can build their Independence, develop Mastery, and practice Generosity within their communities. At the core of our programs are staff development strategies designed to help youth development professionals build meaningful, supportive relationships with the young people in their care, whom we call Our Future Leaders.PRIMARY FUNCTIONThe Activity Specialist is responsible for planning and facilitating engaging, age-appropriate enrichment activities that promote learning, creativity, skill development, positive relationships, and youth engagement.Activity Specialists bring subject-area knowledge, enthusiasm, and strong facilitation skills to the program environment. Working under the direction of the Program Director, the Activity Specialist creates structured learning experiences aligned with program goals, participant interests, and Roads to Success' youth development approach.Activity Specialists may provide enrichment in areas such as arts, sports and recreation, STEM, performing arts, culinary arts, health and wellness, leadership development, literacy, academic enrichment, or other approved specialty areas.ORGANIZATIONAL ROLEReports To: Program DirectorEmployment Type: Part-TimeSchedule: Up to 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday; schedule based on program needs. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required.Compensation: $20.00–$25.00 per hourWork Classification: Class A: Onsite Essential (Program Staff) – 5 days onsite at assigned program site(s)Location: 532 W 215th St, New York, NY 10034RESPONSIBILITIESActivity Planning & FacilitationPlan and facilitate high-quality enrichment activities within the assigned specialty area.Develop structured, age-appropriate lesson plans and activity plans aligned with program goals.Deliver activities that are engaging, interactive, culturally responsive, and accessible to participants with varying abilities and experience levels.Prepare materials, equipment, and program spaces prior to activities and ensure appropriate cleanup following programming.Adapt activities based on participant interests, developmental needs, attendance, and program circumstances.Incorporate opportunities for participants to demonstrate creativity, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and skill development.Support culminating projects, showcases, performances, tournaments, exhibitions, or other demonstrations of participant learning when applicable.Youth Development & EngagementBuild positive, professional, and supportive relationships with program participants.Create an environment where young people feel safe, respected, included, and encouraged to participate.Incorporate RTS' Circle of Courage youth development principles into activities and interactions with participants.Use positive behavior management, restorative practices, and developmentally appropriate approaches to support participant success.Encourage youth voice and choice while maintaining clear expectations, routines, and boundaries.Recognize and respond appropriately to individual participant needs and elevate concerns to program leadership when necessary.Program Operations & SafetyMaintain active supervision of participants during assigned activities and program periods.Follow all RTS, school, funder, and regulatory policies and procedures related to participant safety and program operations.Maintain accurate attendance, activity documentation, lesson plans, and other required program records.Immediately report accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, safety concerns, or other incidents to the Program Director or designated site leadership.Ensure supplies, equipment, and activity spaces are used safely and appropriately.Support participant arrival, dismissal, transitions, special events, trips, and other program-wide activities as assigned.Maintain professional boundaries with participants and families at all times.Team CollaborationWork collaboratively with the Program Director, Assistant Director, Group Leaders, other Activity Specialists, and program staff.Communicate regularly with program leadership regarding activity progress, participant engagement, supply needs, and program concerns.Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, professional development, and required trainings.Coordinate with Group Leaders and other staff to support effective classroom and activity management.Receive and incorporate coaching and feedback from program leadership.Contribute to a positive, professional, accountable, and team-oriented site culture.Program QualityMaintain organized lesson plans and activity materials for assigned programming.Support program quality improvement efforts through observation, feedback, participant input, and continuous refinement of activities.Demonstrate preparedness and consistency in activity facilitation.Help ensure activities align with established program schedules, curriculum expectations, grant requirements, and organizational standards.Participate in observations, coaching, and program quality reviews as required.Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Director or designated program leadership in support of program and organizational priorities.QualificationsQUALIFICATIONSEducation: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Youth Development, Recreation, Arts, Sports Management, Social Work, or a related field preferred.Specialty Expertise: Demonstrated experience, training, education, certification, or proficiency within the applicable activity or enrichment area.Youth Development Experience: Experience working with school-age children or adolescents in after-school programs, schools, camps, community-based organizations, recreation programs, or similar environments strongly preferred.Facilitation Skills: Ability to plan and lead structured, engaging group activities for young people.Behavior Management: Ability to establish clear expectations and use positive, developmentally appropriate strategies to manage group behavior.Communication: Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with youth, colleagues, families, and school partners.Dependability: Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, professionalism, and ability to consistently fulfill assigned program responsibilities.Technology: Basic proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other program-related technology preferred.Ability to complete all required background checks, clearances, trainings, certifications, and documentation required by RTS, program funders, regulatory agencies, and school partners.WORKING CONDITIONSThis is a Class A: Onsite Essential (Program Staff) position requiring onsite presence five days per week at the assigned program location during scheduled working hours.Work is primarily conducted in NYC public schools and/or community-based program locations.The position requires regular interaction with children and adolescents in active program environments.Must be able to remain actively engaged with participants throughout scheduled program activities.May require standing, walking, bending, sitting, and participating in recreational or enrichment activities for extended periods.Must be able to navigate stairs and lift or carry program materials and equipment weighing up to approximately 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.Occasional evenings, weekends, special events, trips, or school closure programming may be required based on program needs.CORE COMPETENCIESYouth-Centered PracticeDemonstrates enthusiasm for working with young people.Builds supportive relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.Creates inclusive environments that promote belonging and participation.Activity FacilitationDemonstrates knowledge and enthusiasm within the assigned specialty area.Translates subject knowledge into engaging and developmentally appropriate activities.Maintains participant engagement through strong preparation, pacing, and facilitation.Classroom & Behavior ManagementEstablishes clear expectations and routines.Uses positive reinforcement, redirection, and appropriate intervention strategies.Maintains an environment that supports physical and emotional safety.Collaboration & CommunicationCommunicates effectively with program leadership and colleagues.Works collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary program team.Accepts coaching and applies feedback to improve performance.Accountability & ProfessionalismArrives prepared and on time for assigned shifts and activities.Maintains required documentation and follows organizational procedures.Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.Cultural Competency & EquityDemonstrates respect for participants, families, colleagues, and communities from diverse backgrounds.Creates programming that is inclusive and culturally responsive.Supports RTS' commitment to equitable opportunities and outcomes for young people.AdaptabilityAdjusts activities and approaches based on participant and program needs.Maintains professionalism in a fast-paced youth development environment.Responds constructively to changes in schedules, staffing, participant needs, and program priorities.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERRoads to Success is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome and valued. We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our success in serving young people and communities.AT-WILL EMPLOYMENTEmployment with Roads to Success is at will, consistent with applicable New York State law. This means that either the employee or Roads to Success may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause, subject to applicable law.Nothing contained in this job description creates or should be interpreted as creating a contract of employment or guarantee of employment for any specific period.DISCLAIMERThis job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its essential functions. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to the staff member. Duties and responsibilities may change from time to time based on programmatic and organizational needs.The staff member must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law, absent undue hardship.