Education Specialist (Park Slope Armory YMCA)

Summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The Park Slope Armory YMCA is seeking an Education Specialist for their Summer Day Camp Program. The Education Specialist will play a critical role in providing intensive and extensive academic tutoring to children in grades K – 8th. Instruction and activities must be designed to promote subject mastery, develop grade-level competencies, and teach study skills. The Education Specialist will also be responsible for creating a safe and positive environment for school-age children, to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/personal growth. They will be responsible for planning, organizing, and leading groups of assigned participants in a variety of educational enhancement activities in the areas of math, science, and literacy, which will teach skills and help to improve overall academic performance.

Summer Day Camp programs operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., July through August.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field required. Master’s degree and/or teaching credentials preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth in an academic environment. Public school teaching experience preferred.
• Possess an understanding and knowledge of public-school functions, Common Core, and specific knowledge in age-appropriate math and/or literacy curriculum.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker, and Photoshop preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults. 

Duties

• Meet academic standards for tutoring and demonstrate competence in analyzing participants’ academic needs.
• Assist participants in actively achieving an increased comprehension and retention of specific subject material and improved academic skill in designated areas.
• Help participants develop necessary study skills for academic success.
• Identify participants experiencing difficulty and provide encouragement and alternative explanations of the subject material.
• Assist participants with schoolwork/homework as needed.
• Work with the Day Camp Director to understand academic expectations and develop activities, assignments, practice tests, and strategies accordingly.
• Document, track, and maintain regular progress and academic records of designated participants. Provide feedback regarding participant progress as needed.
• Assist participants in developing self-confidence and reducing anxiety or fear of failure in academic work.
• Work with participants to develop a high level of motivation in academic areas and positive attitudes toward learning and studying by acknowledging their efforts, progress, and achievements.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Work cooperatively with Day Camp staff, professional staff, teachers, other program staff, and/or school staff.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Day Camp Program to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events, as appropriate.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.