Salary: $20.00 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 Ridgewood YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist who will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Saturday Night Lights (SNL) program. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe, positive environment for school-age children and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and provide age-appropriate basketball instruction for grades 8 through 12 in the SNL program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.  

• Plan and implement meaningful, age-appropriate, exciting, challenging, and values-based basketball activities and special events.

• Teach participants the fundamentals of basketball, including activities that build their skills and confidence.

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

• Work cooperatively with professional staff, Sports Instructors, and other program and DYCD 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 (sign-in/sign-out forms, behavior reports, and incident 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 basketball.

• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the program to participants and caregivers.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.

• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for the program 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.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits and formal education in Physical Education or equivalent work experience preferred.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, specifically in the area of sports.

• Experience working with youth, including knowledge of age-appropriate activities with a youth development framework. 

• Knowledge of youth development stages.

• Content expert in basketball or sports.

• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Formal certification in CDC Concussion Training required. 

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

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 (i.e., 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.