Afterschool Activity Specialist - Jamaica

Job Description

Job Description

AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITY SPECIALIST

We are excited to invite a passionate and experienced Afterschool  Activity Specialist to join our team at Homes for the Homeless (HFH) in our Families with Children facility in Jamaica, Queens, NY. In this role, you will help deliver a high-quality afterschool program that supports academic, enrichment, and social-emotional development in a safe and engaging environment. As an Activity Specialist, you will develop and lead hands-on activities in areas such as STEM, literacy, sports, arts, dance, nutrition, and academic support while collaborating with program staff to ensure a positive, structured experience for participants. Join us and be a part of an organization that values your contribution and cares deeply for the community we serve.

ABOUT HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS:

Homes for the Homeless operates shelters for families experiencing homelessness in NYC. Our family residences are more than just a place to sleep. Families can make the most of their stay through accessing an array of onsite programs. Many of these programs are also available to people living in the local community. Our goal is to have a positive impact so families can thrive long after they leave our shelters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead hands-on enrichment activities in areas of expertise (e.g., STEM, literacy, organized sports, academic support, arts, dance, nutrition, etc.)
• Design and implement recreational and academic lesson plans that support DYCD COMPASS programming and align with program goals.
• Manage the classroom and provide direct supervision of children/youth, ensuring a safe and structured learning environment.
• Promote positive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for program participants.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and Youth Workers to implement daily program activities and support participant engagement.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with parents, administrators, and other stakeholders.
• Recruit and engage program participants within the family residence and surrounding community.
• Monitor and track daily attendance and support attendance improvement initiatives.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Support program compliance, documentation, and operational requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s or bachelor's degree in a related field highly preferred.
• Experience or demonstrated expertise in a specific activity area such as STEM, literacy, art, dance, nutrition, organized sports, or another relevant enrichment area.
• Has worked in an afterschool / recreational setting for at least two years.  
• Experience in lesson planning and implementation of structured programming. 
• Kind, creative, flexible, and caring personality that works well with children and as part of the afterschool program staff team.  
• Sensitivity and awareness while working youth experiencing temporary housing.  
• Must be willing to undergo a multi-stage background investigation which includes employment history and criminal background check.   
• Bilingual in English/Spanish, preferred.

COMPENSATION/EEO:

In order to attract and retain a high-performance workforce, Homes for the Homeless offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment, with a focus on ensuring an appropriate work-life balance. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time permanent employees are eligible for excellent benefits including comprehensive health insurance (including medical, dental, and vision), an employer-funded 403(b) retirement plan, commuter benefits, life insurance, Work/Life Assistance Program, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10 sick days, 3 personal days and 12 paid holidays.

Homes for the Homeless is committed to promoting an inclusive organizational environment of dignity and respect. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to equal treatment, and prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on age, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, arrest or conviction, domestic violence victim status, familial status, or any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law.

SALARY:

$52,000