About the position
East Side House Settlement is a community resource in the South Bronx. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create an economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families and the communities. We are seeking a dynamic, hard-working and creative leader who shares our passion for providing exceptional programming to children and families in the Patterson Community Center neighborhood of the South Bronx & Inwood section in Manhattan. The Patterson Community Center Program is a community center in a New York City Housing Authority public housing development, with evening and weekend programming for participants ages kindergarten and Fifth Grade. The Activity Specialist’s primary responsibility is to design and lead diverse enrichment activities. We run evening teen centers; and college readiness as well as youth employment programs. We are seeking creative professionals with experience working with the youth in the following (but not limited to) areas: Music, visual arts, martial arts, media technology, dance, sports and recreation (soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball or lacrosse), health awareness and community leadership.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety and engagement of participants in assigned activities
- Create, and implement successful educational, recreation, arts activities, youth leadership, STEM, and community service lesson plans.
- Facilitate purposeful activities that foster the development of new skills in students, while reinforcing skills/information previously taught
- Assist in all activities needed for the orderly operation of the program, inclusive of: supervising participants during snack/supper, facilitating dismissal, conducting field trips, hosting special events, etc.
- Work with Group Leaders, engaging them in the lesson plan development process and modeling activity facilitation to help Group Leaders develop professionally and eventually to become Activity Specialists
- Provide strong classroom and behavioral management skills, ensuring that all participants follow agency and program rules
- Complete all projects and tasks as requested, while ensuring the safety and security of all participants and the smooth operation of programming.
- Build positive relations with youth and adults to serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
- Adhere to and provide direction to staff in a manner that ensures that program areas are neat and clean, and that equipment and supplies are managed appropriately.
- Quickly identify and seek to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems in consultation with the Program Director and/or Assistant Program Director.
- Actively participate in all aspects of professional development, including scheduled supervision, team meetings, pre-service training, and additional paid professional development training required.
- Demonstrate key competencies including: initiative, teamwork, cooperation, preparedness, professionalism, reliability and a willingness to continuously improve.
- Organize and/or participate in external special events to promote the Agency's mission and image, cultivate relationships, and generate broad support.
- Adhere to all ESH policies, practices, and procedures.
Requirements
- Appropriate training or certification in their area of specialty; Associates college degree preferred
- Entrepreneur mind-set
- Minimum of two years’ experience working with middle school-aged children, young adults and adults, preferably in a racially, ethically, and socio-economically diverse urban community
- Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Goal oriented and focused on outcome and results
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Competency in youth development and child care
- Demonstrate the ability to engage, motivate and effectively work to create interactive enrichment activities that are age-appropriate
- Genuine enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities and field practice
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to communicate and work effectively and respectfully with a broad range of diverse constituents.
- Knowledge of DYCD and DOH mandates
- Knowledge of classroom management.
- Knowledgeable of zoom, Microsoft teams, Google classroom, and Google Meet.
