Summer Activity Specialist

SEASONAL POSITION This is a temporary, seasonal role. Program dates are as follows

July 1 – August 14

About Us

Community Mediation Services (CMS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk adolescents, vulnerable communities, and families across New York City. Through evidence-based programs, crisis intervention, mentoring, coaching, and community engagement, we empower individuals to build self-determination, strengthen problem-solving skills, and create positive, lasting change.

Job Summary

The Activity Specialist supports the daily operation of the Summer Rising Program by delivering engaging instruction in a specialty area (ART, STEM, DANCE, or FITNESS) and assisting with program-wide activities as needed. This role promotes strong youth engagement, supports smooth day-to-day operations, maintains required documentation, and works closely with site leadership to ensure a safe, structured, and high-quality summer experience for all participants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties

• Provide ART, STEM, DANCE, or FITNESS instruction and enrichment activities aligned to Summer Rising programming goals.
• Assist in facilitating additional program activities as needed (e.g., gym, academic support, lunch/snack, transitions, etc.).
• Plan and submit weekly or program-required activity plans/lesson plans that support fun, engaging, and age-appropriate learning experiences.
• Support student recruitment, enrollment support, and outreach efforts as needed throughout the summer session.
• Assist in the daily management of the Summer Rising program and the proper functioning of all activities.
• Monitor program needs while working closely with the Program Coordinator and Program Director.
• Chaperone students during field trips, recreational outings, and off-site activities, ensuring adherence to safety procedures and supervision requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, logs, and required data entry in the online database.
• Provide effective behavior management of students in accordance with program policies.
• Communicate regularly with program participants and parents/guardians through phone contacts, meetings, and written correspondence.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate as a member of the CMS team and support site/department initiatives as assigned.
• Model professionalism and uphold the founding principles of CMS in all interactions.
• Support community/program awareness by participating in site-based, school-based, and community activities as needed.
• Meet with the Coordinator regularly for supervision and support throughout the summer session.

Documentation & Compliance

• Comply with all record-keeping and documentation requirements.
• Maintain daily attendance and enrollment for all participants (logs/DYCD online), as applicable.
• Maintain required program logs (fire drills, incidents, outreach/recruitment, etc.) and submit injury reports within specified timeframes.
• Ensure compliance with all required documents and deadlines (activity plans, logs, injury reports, and related documentation).

Other Details

• Participate in ongoing trainings as required for licensing and CMS professional development needs.
• Must be able to reliably commute to or relocate to Brooklyn, NY 11212 prior to starting (as applicable).
• Work location: In person.
• No Remote Work.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (Summer Rising Version)

• Experience: 2–4 years of prior experience in youth development and/or in the specialist area of expertise. Summer youth program experience is a plus.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required (BA/BS preferred).
• Preferred Education (if applicable): BA/BS preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications (if applicable): N/A
• Skills (if applicable): Ability to work effectively with a team; commitment to youth empowerment; creativity with lesson/activity planning; and a focus on providing fun, engaging, instructional experiences for students.
• Knowledge (if applicable): Ability to maintain attendance/enrollment and required program logs (including DYCD online, where applicable) and meet documentation deadlines (activity plans, logs, injury reports).

Physical Requirements (Essential Functions)

This position requires the ability to move throughout the facility and perform tasks that may include:

• Standing or sitting for extended periods
• Bending, squatting, or reaching
• Occasionally lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds

These physical requirements are essential functions of the role and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

EEO Statement

Community Mediation Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all persons in employment-related decisions, including hiring, promotions, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Experience:

• youth development and/or in the specialist area of expertise: 2 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25