Activity Specialist Support Staff

Job Overview:

• Division/Department: Education & Employment After school & Camp
• Type: Non-Exempt, Temporary, Part-Time
• Schedule: 18-20 hours per week, Available to work five days a week, Monday - Friday, 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Holiday Camp shifts may vary from 10 am - 6 pm, 8 am – 1pm or 1 pm- 6 pm.
• Location: Fully onsite in the Lower East Side
• Pay Type: $22 an Hour

Organizational Overview:

Henry Street Settlement opens doors of opportunities to enrich lives and expand human progress for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social services, arts, and health care programs. Building on its 133+year legacy of innovation and effective programming, Henry Street offers more than 50 programs and is one of New York City’s largest social service agencies.

Position Overview:

The Afterschool and Camp Services Department provides safe, engaging, and enriching programs that support the academic, social-emotional, and personal development of children and youth in the Lower East Side community. Through hands-on learning, recreation, leadership development, and enrichment activities, the program creates meaningful opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop new skills, and foster positive relationships.

We are seeking motivated and dedicated Activity Specialist Support Staff to work with neurodivergent youth in grades K-8 in an enriching youth program. The ideal candidate will have a passion for youth development, experience in an after-school or camp setting, and the ability to help youth engage in activities that foster creativity, academic growth, and positive social interactions. This individual must demonstrate positive and professional character traits, including being dependable, approachable, and adaptable, while maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere for the youth. The Support Staff will work closely with Activity Specialist to implement hands-on, theme-based activities that provide a safe and exciting learning environment for participants.

Qualifications:

• Education: A High School Diploma or HSE is required. Enrollment in college, particularly in a related field such as Education, Social Work, or Sociology, is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an after-school, camp, or youth program setting, supporting neurodivergent youth.

Skills:

• Understanding Neurodiversity: Acknowledge that behaviors often stem from environmental barriers or sensory overload, not willful defiance. Focus on supporting strengths and adapting environments rather than forcing compliance.
• Sensory Processing: Know how to identify and accommodate sensory sensitivities, such as using noise-canceling headphones, reducing fluorescent lighting, and providing calming spaces or fidget tools.
• Communication Adaptations: Recognize that behavior is communication. Be knowledgeable in alternative communication methods (e.g., AAC devices, visual aids, PECS) for nonverbal or communication-strained youth.
• Executive Functioning Support: Understand that neurodivergent youth may struggle with planning, organizing, initiating tasks, and self-regulation. Support involves providing clear structure, visual schedules, and breaking tasks into smaller steps.
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Communication: Use clear, direct language and avoid sarcasm, as many neurodivergent youths interpret language literally. Respect and allow for authentic expressions, including "stimming" (self-stimulatory behavior), rather than forcing them to mask their true selves.
• Emotional Regulation & Safety: Understand that neurodivergent youth may experience intense emotions and need specific tools for regulation. Create a low-pressure environment where they feel safe to express needs without fear of punishment.
• Passion: A passion for working with youth and providing quality educational, recreational, and artistic experiences. A strong commitment to the development of all participants.
• Professionalism: Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. A positive, team-oriented attitude and a high level of professionalism.

Key Responsibilities:

• Activity Support: Create a positive and inclusive environment that supports youth in engaging in recreational, academic, and artistic activities.
• Classroom & Behavior Management: Maintain effective classroom management strategies, enforce positive behavior guidelines, and apply youth development principles to create a supportive and organized environment.
• Youth Development & Engagement: Foster an environment where students feel safe, engaged, and encouraged to explore their interests and develop new skills. Provide hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for students to work collaboratively on projects.
• Event & Exhibit Preparation: Prepare participants for culminating events, exhibits, and final presentations, helping them gain confidence in their work and share their achievements.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Co-teach with activity specialists, assist in supporting group activities, walking field trips, and bus trips. Work as part of a team to create a fun, educational, and inclusive experience for all youth.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Must be flexible to work with all youth from grades K-8 as well as support various locations in both school-based and community-based settings, if needed.
• Diverse Youth Experience: Engage with youth from diverse backgrounds, tailoring activities to meet the needs of all participants in both school and community center settings.
• Program Administration: Maintain accurate records, including attendance sheets and participant progress, and report on participant development regularly. Ensure all paperwork, certifications, and documents required by NYC DOH regulations are completed and submitted on time.
• Program Understanding: Understand the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and Henry Street Settlement’s afterschool and summer camp program models, ensuring that program expectations and department policies are always followed.
• Professional Development & Compliance: Attend mandatory training sessions as required by NYC DOH regulations. Demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of the job, maintaining a positive team-oriented attitude while being flexible and adaptable in the dynamic work environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to move between indoor and outdoor environments, assist with supervising activities, and lead groups on field trips as necessary.
• Ability and willingness to lead and participate in program activities which include, but are not limited to, sports, academics, STEM, recreation, arts, SEL, and field trips.
• Ability to stand, stoop, and bend for long periods of time.