Activity Specialist: STEM (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 STEM 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., engineers, programmers, scientists, etc.) or college or graduate students working toward such specialization.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of science, technology, engineering, or math.
• 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

• Design a comprehensive STEM 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 practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
  • Incorporate diverse STEM subjects, including potential projects in coding, robotics, engineering challenges, science experiments, data analysis, or other related fields such as chess and strategy games.
  • Support Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs.
  • Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in science and engineering 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 work. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event.
• Lead and facilitate daily STEM activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
  • 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 STEM, 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 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.