Martial Arts Activity Specialist - Elementary (South Ozone Park)

Martial Arts Activity Specialist for Elementary School Program, South Ozone Park (PS 124) Queens (Part-Time Position) 
South Asian Youth Action (SAYA)

South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is committed to providing its employees opportunities for growth in a supportive community environment. As an Activity Specialist, you will receive access to external opportunities and have considerable autonomy in designing and implementing new projects and curricula. With a school-day schedule and a generous benefits package, SAYA provides its employees a healthy work-life balance in a fast-growing youth development nonprofit.

SAYA: Belong. Grow. Thrive.

Organization Description:

South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is an inclusive, South Asian-focused 501(c)3 youth development organization. Through our innovative, holistic approach, we work toward education equity by providing opportunities and resources to less privileged New York City youth, ensuring they are empowered academically, emotionally, and socially to become engaged community members. 

Established in 1996, SAYA has grown into a $3.8 million organization currently serving over 1,400 youth each year through programming at nine NYC schools and our community center in Elmhurst, Queens. SAYA is committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging and ensuring that each of our program sites serve as safe and brave spaces where all young people feel valued, culturally affirmed, and welcomed. 

Position Summary:

The Activity Specialist will lead beginner/basic martial arts class and its foundational principles to elementary school-aged after-school participants. SAYA seeks candidates who are highly knowledgeable and skilled in martial arts and its history, traditions and values. 

Reports to: Program Director

Compensation: $30-$45 an hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is an in-person position for the school year from September through June with potential rehire for summer and the following school year.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise all activities to ensure the health, safety and well-being of program participants.

• Develop lesson plans of age-appropriate Martial Arts activities and themes that will support the development of social-emotional learning competencies, seek to build skills and encourage collaboration.

• Facilitate purposeful activities that foster the development of new skills in youth in an engaging, creative and responsive manner. 

• Manage classroom and maintain positive learning environment.

• Build positive relationships with youth and adults and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication and overall attitude.

• Ensure proper care of all spaces and materials, organize room and report any misused or damaged materials to the Program Director.

• Complete and submit in a timely manner all program reports relative to this position, including but not limited to: supply request, lesson plans, incident reports, attendance, and timesheets.

• Assist Program Coordinator with ordering and maintaining equipment and/or supplies.

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

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years of academic preparation in Martial Arts, or equivalent training.

• Knowledge and understanding of youth development, after school and public education.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities, people and projects effectively.

• Experience in providing individualized and group instruction to meet the needs of youth with various level of skills. 

• Experience designing and teaching courses to ensure youth success and supports youth-centered learning.

• Demonstrated knowledge of teaching Martial Arts techniques including but not limited to Karate, Capoeira, Jiu Jitsu to middle-school youth with an emphasis on skill building, recreation, and development.

Key Competencies

Ideal candidate will excel in the following areas:

• Communication: The candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people including youth, teachers, school administrations, parents, and other staff. They will be able to work as part of a team with the school community and other SAYA programs. They will be able to consider situations from multiple perspectives in order to avoid and manage conflict.

• Flexibility: The candidate will be comfortable adapting to changing circumstances. They will be able to work with youth of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

SAYA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.