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 McBurney YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist who will play a critical role in providing academicenhancement and enrichment in the Early Childhood Program. Under the supervision of the Youth & Family Director, the Activity Specialist Early Learner Program will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment to our Early Learners Program (ELP) ages 18 months -4yrs. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for early childhood programming, to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/ personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare lesson plans around Math, Science, and Reading, Arts & Crafts, recreational, educational, and cultural enrichment activities. Hours: Monday-Friday, between 8:30am-1:00pm. Saturday between 10am – 12pm.

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 activities and special events that are age-appropriate, exciting, challenging, and values based in the area of Early Learners.
• Supervise, participate in, and administer recreational & educational activities for children ages 18 months to 4 years.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.
• Work cooperatively with Counselors, professional staff, teachers, and other program and other departments .
• 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.
• Work with the Y &F Director to secure and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for Programming.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Early Learners 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 all 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 as needed that address the ongoing health and well-being of our staff and members
• Maintain sanitary habits in accordance with CDC guidelines

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School diplomaor equivalent required. College credits inEarly Childhood Education, Elementary Education and/or Sociology desired.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with preschool age children, specifically in the area of planning activities in group setting.
• 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, between 8:30am-1:00pm. Saturday between 10 am – 12 pm.

We offer an exciting and innovative work environment with a culture committed to serving all members of our community. As a leading not-for-profit, community service organization, our Association relies heavily on fundraising to support the wide range of programs we proudly provide the communities we serve. Our expectation is that all staff promotes participation of their branch fundraising efforts in some capacity. 

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.Howto Apply:If you would like to be amember of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submityour résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in therole and our organization.

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