SALARY: $20.00 - $40.00 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.

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 Flatbush YMCA is seeking an Education Specialist who Under the supervision of the Site Director, will play a critical role in coordinating and developing educational activities in STEM, literacy, and writing to children in grades Kindergarten – 5th Grade. The Educational Specialist will work with counselors to design activities that will promote subject mastery, develop grade-level competencies, and teach study skills. The Education Specialist will also be responsible for creating a safe and positive environment for school age children, to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/ personal growth. 

Under the guidance of the Site Director, the Education Specialist is responsible for planning and organizing variety of educational enhancement activities in the areas of STEM, literacy, and writing which will teach skills and help to improve overall academic performance. 

Y After-School programs operate from 3:00pm-6:00pm, Monday-Friday and during public school breaks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and design age-appropriate lesson plans for participants. Collect and review all lesson plans to ensure proper alignment with Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and Department of Education (DOE) standards.    
• Assist participants in actively achieving an increased comprehension and retention of specific subject material, and improved academic skill in designated areas. Identify participants experiencing difficulty; provide encouragement and alternative explanations of subject material.
• Support staff in execution of lesson plans, academic activities, and give constructive feedback. 
• Provide coaching on classroom management and other areas. 
• Work with Site Coordinator, Site Director and school staff to understand academic expectations of day school, and develop activities, assignments, practice tests, and strategies accordingly. 
• Create or use existing tool for curriculum to ensure integrity; create academic learning plan for participants.  
• Work with participants to develop a high level of motivation in academic areas and positive attitudes toward learning and studying by acknowledging student efforts as well as their progress and achievements. 
• Ensure the health, safety and well being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.  
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Counselors, professional staff, teachers, and other program and school staff. 
• 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.
• 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. 
• 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.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events, as appropriate.
• Adhere to all Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, and Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) standards, expectations, and regulations.   
• Other activities and duties as needed 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field. MA/MS preferred.
• At least two (2) years of teaching experience work with grades 6 through 8.
• Minimum of two years experience in supervisory capacity; two years of youth work experience.
• Possess an understanding and knowledge of public school functions, Common Core, and specific knowledge in age-appropriate STEM and/or literacy curriculum.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker and Photoshop preferred.
• General knowledge of Google Classroom, Google Meets, Zoom and other online learning platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Must be able to work Monday thru Friday from 3:00pm 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. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ♦ DRUGFREE WORKPLACE
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities