Activity Specialist

Introduction

Henry Street Settlement is like no other organization, and our positions are not ordinary jobs. Every day Henry Street's dedicated team carries out a 130-year blueprint of service to our community established by our founder, Lillian Wald, in 1893.

Overview

Job Overview

• Division/Department: Education / Afterschool & Camp Services
• Work Schedule: 18 hours per week, Temporary (September 2026 - June 2027), Part-Time Monday - Friday: 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  Select Holidays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Pay Type: $22.00 Hourly
• Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
• Location: Fully Onsite - Lower East Side

Organizational Overview

Henry Street Settlement opens doors of opportunity to enrich lives and expand human progress for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social services, arts, and health care programs. Building on its 130+ year legacy of innovation and effective programming, Henry Street offers more than 50 programs and is one of New York City's largest social service agencies.

Program Overview

Henry Street Settlement's Afterschool & Camp Services Program provides academic enrichment, recreation, and social-emotional learning opportunities for youth in grades K-8 through school-based and community-based programs. The program fosters a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where students develop academically, socially, and emotionally through hands-on, inquiry-based activities, enrichment experiences, and positive youth development.

Position Summary

The Activity Specialist is responsible for creating and facilitating engaging, hands-on educational, recreational, and social-emotional learning experiences for youth in grades K-8 enrolled in Henry Street Settlement's Afterschool & Camp Services Program. Working collaboratively with Department of Education teachers and program staff, the Activity Specialist delivers high-quality, inquiry-based programming that promotes academic achievement, positive youth development, and student engagement in a safe and inclusive environment. This role also maintains accurate program records, monitors student progress, prepares participants for culminating events, and ensures compliance with all Henry Street Settlement and NYC Department of Health regulations. The work schedule includes weekday after-school hours and select holiday camp days.

Responsibilities

• On selected days, work with the Department of Education teacher(s) in the classroom using a co-teaching model and on the remaining days lead the class in enrichment, recreation, and Social Emotional Learning activities.
• Plan and execute appropriate hands-on inquiry-based projects, enrichment, and recreation experiences.
• Provide group and individual instruction utilizing curriculum provided.
• Find/create opportunities for students to expand and build upon their interests.
• Distribute materials and information relevant to the activity.
• Maintain records of all participants and activities including attendance sheets and progress within the activity.
• Review and assess individual students via surveys, observation, double entry journals, etc.
• Prepare students for sharing's, culminating events, and exhibits.
• Attend mandatory trainings in compliance with NYC DOH regulations.
• Provide Henry Street Settlement with all of the required paperwork, certifications, and support documents in compliance with NYC DOH regulations.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Essential Physical Job Functions

• Ability to stand, stoop, and bend for prolonged periods of time.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required; enrollment in college in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience working in after-school or camp settings.
• Strong content knowledge of Common Core Standards.
• Must be flexible to work with all youth from grades K-8.
• Must be flexible to support various afterschool locations in both school-based and community-based settings.
• Thorough knowledge of appropriate skill development strategies for students.
• Interest in providing quality hands-on, inquiry-based projects, enrichment, and recreation experiences to youth.
• Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work with students from a variety of academic backgrounds and skill levels.
• Strong organizational, multitask, and follow-through skills.
• Self-motivated ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible and positive team-oriented attitude.
• Bilingual preferred (Cantonese/English, Mandarin/English, and/or Spanish/English).
• Must be able to attend some daytime meetings and trainings.

Additional Information

• FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
• Worker Type:Temporary (Not Eligible for Benefits)
• References Required?Yes
• Background Check Required?Yes
• Proof of Education Required? Yes