SALARY: $20.00 - $35.00 P/H

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

The Prospect Park YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist - Photography and Painting who will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y After School program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school age children, to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/ personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and provide age-appropriate instruction for grades in Y After School.

Y After-School programs operate from 2:00pm-6:00pm, Monday-Friday and during public school breaks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities and special events that are age-appropriate, exciting, challenging, and values based in the area of photography and painting.
• Teach participants the fundamentals of photography and painting., including activities that build their level of skill and confidence.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Counselors, professional staff, teachers, and other program and school staff.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Work with the Site Director to secure and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for photography and painting.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y After School Program to participants and care givers. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas of growth.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for photography and painting activities.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.   
• Other activities and duties that address the ongoing health and well-being of our staff and members.
• Follow and maintain sanitary habits in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent required; College credits and formal education in photography and painting preferred.
• Formal certification in photography and painting required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, specifically in the area of photography and painting.
• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Access, Adobe PageMaker and Photoshop preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Must be available to work Monday – Friday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.

Benefits:

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members including retirement benefits, medical, paid-time off, free YMCA membership and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (ie. full-time or part-time), tenure and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply:

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.