Activity Specialist

Activity Specialist

Salary Range $20.00 - $25.00 Hourly Level Experienced Education Level High School Category Nonprofit - Social Services

Reports To:

Program Director

Employment Type:

Part-Time

Schedule:

Up to 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday; schedule based on program needs. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required.

Compensation: $20.00–$25.00 per hour

Work Classification:
Class A:
Onsite Essential (Program Staff) – 5 days onsite at assigned program site(s)

Location:

New York City; assigned RTS program site

Responsibilities

Activity Planning & Facilitation

• Plan and facilitate high-quality enrichment activities within the assigned specialty area.

• Develop structured, age-appropriate lesson plans and activity plans aligned with program goals.

• Deliver activities that are engaging, interactive, culturally responsive, and accessible to participants with varying abilities and experience levels.

• Prepare materials, equipment, and program spaces prior to activities and ensure appropriate cleanup following programming.

• Adapt activities based on participant interests, developmental needs, attendance, and program circumstances.

• Incorporate opportunities for participants to demonstrate creativity, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and skill development.

• Support culminating projects, showcases, performances, tournaments, exhibitions, or other demonstrations of participant learning when applicable.

Youth Development & Engagement

• Build positive, professional, and supportive relationships with program participants.

• Create an environment where young people feel safe, respected, included, and encouraged to participate.

• Incorporate RTS' Circle of Courage youth development principles into activities and interactions with participants.

• Use positive behavior management, restorative practices, and developmentally appropriate approaches to support participant success.

• Encourage youth voice and choice while maintaining clear expectations, routines, and boundaries.

• Recognize and respond appropriately to individual participant needs and elevate concerns to program leadership when necessary.

Program Operations & Safety

• Maintain active supervision of participants during assigned activities and program periods.

• Follow all RTS, school, funder, and regulatory policies and procedures related to participant safety and program operations.

• Maintain accurate attendance, activity documentation, lesson plans, and other required program records.

• Immediately report accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, safety concerns, or other incidents to the Program Director or designated site leadership.

• Ensure supplies, equipment, and activity spaces are used safely and appropriately.

• Support participant arrival, dismissal, transitions, special events, trips, and other program wide activities as assigned.

• Maintain professional boundaries with participants and families at all times.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Program Director, Assistant Director, Group Leaders, other Activity Specialists, and program staff.

• Communicate regularly with program leadership regarding activity progress, participant engagement, supply needs, and program concerns.

• Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, professional development, and required trainings.

• Coordinate with Group Leaders and other staff to support effective classroom and activity management.

• Receive and incorporate coaching and feedback from program leadership.

• Contribute to a positive, professional, accountable, and team-oriented site culture.

Program Quality

• Maintain organized lesson plans and activity materials for assigned programming.

• Support program quality improvement efforts through observation, feedback, participant input, and continuous refinement of activities.

• Demonstrate preparedness and consistency in activity facilitation.

• Help ensure activities align with established program schedules, curriculum expectations, grant requirements, and organizational standards.

• Participate in observations, coaching, and program quality reviews as required. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Director or…