Specialist, Education ​/ Teaching, Child Development​/Support

Specialist

Location:

Henry Kaufman Campgrounds

At Commonpoint, community is at the heart of everything we do. With more than 90 program sites and flagship locations in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica, we proudly serve over 125,000 individuals each year. From early childhood to older adulthood, we support people from all walks of life on their journeys from crisis to stability and empowerment.

Our wide range of programs, spanning social services, education, and recreation, reflects our mission to build a more connected, inclusive, and thriving community for all.

Commonpoint is hiring a Specialist at Island Quest Day Camp. The Specialist will lead a group in planning and implementing a nurturing, educational environment that fosters optimum social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each camper. This role reports directly to the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and Quest Directors.

• Support agency initiatives by carrying out assigned duties accurately and efficiently, following established processes, and contributing to data collection, reporting, or documentation as required.
• Use agency resources responsibly, safeguarding equipment and materials and supporting cost‑effective operations.
• Work effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and cross‑department teams to ensure clear communication, timely task completion, and a positive, respectful work environment.
• Follow all safety protocols, policies, and procedures, maintaining a safe work environment for staff, partners, and the public, and promptly report concerns or incidents.

• Attend all pre‑camp orientations on June 7th, June 14th, and June 28th.
• Work all days – Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, from June 29th to August 21st, and remain reachable by phone until 6:30 pm.
• Manage and oversee your Quest area, including curriculum planning, scheduling, and daily organization.
• Prepare and deliver engaging, progressive lesson plans that meet camp goals and camper abilities.
• Help plan and set up theme days (including staying late for at least two) and support special camp events.
• Ensure all safety and educational procedures are followed, including daily equipment and facility checks.
• Support and guide program specialists through feedback, communication, and staff training.
• Evaluate program success, monitor camper skill development, and provide ongoing ideas to strengthen programming.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the program area.
• Understanding of youth development and the needs of young people.
• Ability to positively communicate and relate to youth and adults.
• Experience teaching in a specific Quest area (e.g., Athletics/Field Sports, Outdoor Education/Nature, STEM, Gardening, or Culinary Arts).

• Previous experience in a Commonpoint role is a plus.
• Bilingual.
• Master’s degree in Education or related field.
• Current instructional certification in program area or related experience (preferred, not required).

• Ability to work effectively with all age levels.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to support counselors and staff.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing needs.
• Committed to creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative camp environment.

Commonpoint offers competitive base salaries benchmarked against comparable nonprofit organizations in the New York metropolitan area. Salaries are determined based on internal and external equity, scope, qualifications, and organizational impact. Compensation is consistent with our mission‑driven commitment to equity and transparency.

• Outdoors – be prepared to walk extensively.
• Exposure to loud noise or extreme heat.
• Essential physical requirements such as climbing, standing, stooping, or swimming.
• Late nights or overnight stays may be required, depending on group placement.
• Bus transportation from local hubs offered.

Working schedule:
Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, available by phone until 6:30 pm from June 29th to August 21st.

Non‑Union Position.

In‑Person role.

Commonpoint is an equal‑opportunity employer.