Activity Specialist Art

New York City Mission Society’s Power Academy is an after‑school program dedicated to cultivating the personal growth and educational advancement of elementary school–aged participants. The curriculum focuses on academic enrichment, community service, cultural enrichment, the arts, recreation, and character education, reinforcing school‑day learning in a safe and healthy environment. Programming is offered after school, on school holidays, and during the summer.

During the Arts & Crafts activity, participants practice responsible use of art techniques learned within that component to develop a complete project. The activity emphasizes Realism, Expressionism, Abstract, and/or Pop Art.

New York City Mission Society helps children, youth, and families in New York City’s poorest neighborhoods transcend the ills of poverty and create a cycle of success for generations to come. We have a dynamic portfolio of education, workforce development, prevention, and youth development and community‑building programs.

Art Activity Specialist, Power Academy After‑School Program

P.S. 175, 175 W 134TH Street, New York, NY 10030

Part‑time: 10 hours per week

Students will learn the benefits of participating in arts & crafts. Activities will emphasize participation in a whole range of enjoyable art techniques. Art specialists serve as facilitators to two groups daily of 20 children (organized by grade levels, K‑5) and facilitate lessons for 50 minutes to an hour.

• Understand the essential objectives of the Mission Society program and communicate those objectives effectively to families and youth.
• Create an environment that fosters creativity for children, while accepting supervision and direction.
• Participate in all staff meetings and activities.
• Complete all tasks and assignments deemed necessary by the Program Director, Assistant Director, and Program Aide.
• Coordinate different art projects throughout the school year.
• Prepare curriculum, materials, and hand‑outs; arrive 10 minutes early to all assignments; attend all training designated by funders and the Program Director.
• Use a variety of methods and approaches, including differentiation, to match curricular objectives and the range of participants’ needs.
• Incorporate the Group Leader and Youth Worker into the activity, working with them to oversee the activity, ensuring equal opportunity for all participants; employ positive behavior management in an environment of mutual respect that allows pupils to feel safe, secure, and promotes their self‑esteem.
• Develop and complete lesson plans; ensure weekly plans adequately meet objectives; report performance concerns to the Program Director, Assistant Director, and/or Program Aide.

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent, or substantial experience working with children (elementary or middle school aged). If a high school diploma or equivalent has been obtained, experience with children is still preferred though not required.
• Associate degree or college credits preferred.
• Strong interest in working with children.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of program and school staff.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Experience overseeing a group of young people preferred.

Staff is expected to be committed to the mission, vision, and values of Mission Society.

New York City Mission Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.