Activity Specialist: Leadership & College Readiness (Vanderbilt YMCA)

Summary

The Vanderbilt 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 instruction for school-aged children in the Y Afterschool program.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits and formal education in a related field are preferred. Preference is given to individuals who are already experts in their field (e.g., higher education advisers, guidance counselors, etc.) or college or graduate students working toward such a specialization.
• Direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Content expert in the designated subject matter.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults. 

Duties

• Implement leadership curriculum: Create and execute a dynamic curriculum focused on building leadership skills, civic engagement, and social responsibility.
  • Design activities specifically targeting the development of critical life skills, such as decision-making, effective communication, teamwork, and ethical thinking.
  • Activities should incorporate learnings related to developing problem-solving, communication, teamwork, financial literacy, and other life skills.
  • Ensure all activities are engaging, relevant, and encourage active participation in both school and community settings.
• Lead various leadership initiatives and opportunities, which may include:
  • Service Learning Projects: Organize community service projects that directly align with academic learning objectives and civic responsibility.
  • Civic Engagement: Engage participants in projects that foster an understanding of local governance, community involvement, and active citizenship.
  • Academic/Career Transition Support: Implement activities designed to support participants through key educational transitions. This includes exploring high school selection processes, discussing post-secondary education options, and mapping out potential career pathways.
• 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 YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.