Cosmetology Specialist -Afterschool Program

Job Description

Job Description

Cosmetology Specialist – Afterschool Program  

We hire for this position in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan. 

Openings vary across 30+ sites throughout the school year. Our complete list is at nyjtl.org/aces-sites 

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning 

For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs. NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement.

Position Summary 

The Cosmetology Specialist will plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate cosmetology and personal care programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The specialist will introduce students to the fundamentals of beauty, hair care, skincare, nail art, hygiene, and personal presentation while encouraging creativity, self-confidence, and individual expression. Students will have opportunities to explore basic beauty techniques, learn about different hair textures and cultural beauty traditions, experiment with age-appropriate styling and nail art, and develop an understanding of personal care and wellness. The specialist will also expose students to career opportunities within the beauty and cosmetology industries through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and creative projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate engaging cosmetology lessons, workshops, and hands-on beauty activities.
• Introduce students to basic hair care, hairstyling, skincare, nail art, hygiene, and personal grooming.
• Teach students about different hair textures, hair care practices, and cultural beauty traditions.
• Demonstrate age-appropriate techniques such as braiding, styling, accessorizing, and creative nail art.
• Introduce students to foundational concepts in beauty, personal presentation, sanitation, and professional practices.
• Incorporate discussions around self-confidence, positive self-image, individuality, and respect for diverse beauty standards.
• Expose students to career pathways in cosmetology, hairstyling, makeup artistry, skincare, nail technology, and the beauty industry.
• Provide opportunities for students to develop creative projects, practice techniques using mannequins or approved materials, and participate in beauty showcases.
• Ensure all activities use age-appropriate products, sanitized tools, and safe practices; avoid chemical treatments and services requiring professional licensure.
• Maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.

Schedule: Monday through Friday
Shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(Start and end times may vary based on site assignment.)

Up to 20 hours per week.

Availability during these hours is required.

Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year through June 2027.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year. 
• Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.  

Curriculum & Activity Planning

• Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in assigned specialty area.

• Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance; maintain an organized, safe activity space.

Facilitation & Youth Engagement

• Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.
• Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
• Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
• Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
• Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.

Safety, Documentation, & Compliance

• Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.

Qualifications 

Required:

• Available during after-school hours, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings); Monday-Friday during the school year and some school holidays.
• 2+years' experience working with children or youth in group settings (after-school, camp, school, recreational program).
• Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth preferred.
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge in cosmetology, hairstyling, beauty, skincare, nail artistry, or a related field.
• Knowledge of basic hair care, styling techniques, sanitation, and beauty practices.
• Ability to teach age-appropriate cosmetology activities in an engaging and youth-friendly manner.
• Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage students with diverse interests, backgrounds, and hair types.