Activity Specialist: Art (Castle Hill YMCA)

Salary: $25.00 Hourly Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support childrens learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience. The Castle Hill YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Activity Specialist will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and 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 deliver age-appropriate Art instruction for school-aged children in the Y Afterschool program. Key Responsibilities * Design a comprehensive art curriculum using detailed lesson plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives tailored to stimulate interest and engagement across various grade levels. * Ensure all lessons are project-based where possible, encouraging hands-on learning and creative application of art principles. * Plan, facilitate, and supervise art-based activities, ensuring a safe and creative environment for youth. * Support the Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs. * Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in art projects. * Include scalable activities and modifications to accommodate varying skill levels and learning paces among participants. * Assessment: Integrate methods for both formal and informal assessment to track participants progress and engagement. * Work with participants throughout the program to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their artwork. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event. * Lead and facilitate daily art activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment. * Teach participants fundamental artistic skills and techniques, encouraging creative thinking and helping them express their ideas through art. * Actively use activities to support the development of teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills. * Provide opportunities for participants to research, discuss, and innovate around local and global scientific and technological issues. * While the primary focus is art, the specialist must be prepared to integrate foundational literacy skills (i.e., reading instructions, writing reports, and research) into projects throughout the year. * 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. * Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times. * Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff. * Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations. * Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate). * Serve as a positive role model for participants. * Understand and communicate the YMCAs core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Prog