Salary: $17.00 - $40.00 Hourly

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.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The Chinatown YMCA is seeking a Summer Camp Specialized Instructor. Under the supervision of the Summer Camp Director, the Summer Camp Specialty Instructor will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Summer Camp program. The Summer Camp Specialty Instructor will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school-age children, providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth. Specifically, the Summer Camp Specialty Instructor will prepare and provide age-appropriate Mandarin Chinese instruction for ages 6- 11 in Summer Camp.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of program participants by providing consistent and appropriate supervision. Familiarize yourself with and uphold Risk Management and safety protocols, ensuring all participants adhere to these guidelines.

• Design and execute engaging activities and special events that are structured, suitable for the participants’ age group, enjoyable, stimulating, challenging, and grounded in the values of Mandarin Chinese.

• Instruct participants on the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese, incorporating activities that enhance their skills and boost their confidence. Must be able to teach children in an engaging, safe, and responsive manner.

• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.

• Set up the room and later return the equipment used for the class.

• Plan with the Director to order and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for the class.

• Ensure that all equipment is age-appropriate, safe, and in proper working condition.

• Develop a written lesson plan and curriculum for the program session that is age-appropriate and progressive.

• Be able to modify lesson plans and instruction to meet the needs of the participants.

• Responsible for leading all children through a creative and imaginative process, building skills and confidence.

• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding the progress of their camper and encourage registration for other sessions/programs during the school year.

• Work with camp leadership to develop and lead program promotion and recruitment efforts.

• Provide supervision of the participants in line with YMCA program standards and guidelines (i.e., ratio, attendance).

• Have a thorough knowledge of branch emergency procedures and take appropriate actions in emergency situations.

• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).

• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.

• 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.

• Actively participate in designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.

• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• College degree or formal certification in art, art education, youth development, or a related field working with youth. 

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with children/youth.

• Experience working with youth, including knowledge of age-appropriate activities with a youth development framework, specifically in the area of Mandarin Chinese.

• Current CPR or First Aid certification preferred.  

• Knowledge of youth development stages.

• Content expert in designated activity.

• Creativity, accountability, and flexibility are a must.

• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

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.