Sign Language Activity Specialist - Middle (CQA, Elmhurst)

Sign Language Activity Specialist for Middle School Program, Elmhurst (CQA) 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:

Established in 1996, SAYA is a 501(c)3 youth development organization providing valuable life skills and holistic, impactful programming to underserved New York City youth. As one of the first South Asian organizations created in the United States, SAYA is the only organization of its kind in the NYC metropolitan area providing inclusive and secular comprehensive youth development services while centering our community’s experiences.

Our continued mission is addressing the critical need for culturally-affirming resources, mentorship, and academic support outside the classroom for low-income, immigrant youth. In order to meet these needs, all of our programs provide meaningful guidance to prepare for and complete educational transitions, including elementary to middle, middle to high school, and high school to college - as well as equipping youth for careers. Our consciously designed offerings provide ongoing individually adapted support and navigation during high school years, including throughout the college application process. During their time at SAYA, youth build vital social and emotional learning (SEL) and academic skills, as well as a sense of belonging and community which will help them thrive throughout their journeys. 

Position Summary:

The Activity Specialist will be responsible for developing a broad range of enrichment activities that promote learning sign language. SAYA seeks experienced instructors to teach sign language at our middle school after school program. 

Reports to: Program Director

Compensation: $30-$45 an hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Must be available 2-5 days per week. This is an in-person position for the school year from September through June with potential rehire for summer and the following year.

Responsibilities:

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

• Develop lesson plans of age-appropriate activities and themes that will support the development of social-emotional learning competencies, seek to build imagination and encourage artistic exploration.

• 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:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or current college students preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.

• Minimum of 2 years of academic preparation in visual 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 painting and drawing techniques including but not limited to charcoal and pencil drawing and watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. Other skills desirable could include, but are not limited to digital art, book arts, graphic design, installation or fabrication.

• A genuine enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities and field practice.

• Comply with School Age Child Care (SACC) requirements including background check and medical clearance.

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.