Activity Specialist

About Veronica Arts Media: Veronica Arts Media Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing issues that impact youth, families, and seniors. VAM serves hundreds of students each year through after-school programs, summer camps, and cultural arts opportunities.

Veronica Arts Media offers students access to arts, sports, leadership, STEM, and academic opportunities through after-school programs that foster positive youth development, teach new skills, and encourage learning through exploration. Our programs provide an environment where students learn to think critically and communicate confidently; a place where students develop the tools necessary to realize their individual talents and embrace the larger world through meaningful opportunities for experiential education, service learning, and community building.

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The Activity Specialist plans and leads high-quality, project-based activities in a specific content area (e.g., arts, STEM, sports, dance, leadership, media, etc.) for participants in a DYCD-funded after-school program. The Activity Specialist creates engaging, age-appropriate experiences that build skills, promote creativity, and support positive youth development.

September 2026 – June 2027

(Mandatory orientation and training sessions will take place during the last two weeks of August.)

• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
• Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in assigned specialty area.
• Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance; maintain an organized, safe activity space.

• Lead engaging, hands‑on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.
• Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
• Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
• Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
• Assist in all activities needed for the orderly operation of the program, inclusive of: supervising participants during snack/supper, facilitating dismissal, conducting field trips, hosting special events, etc.
• Provide strong classroom and behavioral management skills, ensuring that all participants follow agency and program rules

• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Actively participate in all aspects of professional development, including scheduled supervision, team meetings, pre-service training, and additional paid professional development training required. Demonstrate key competencies including: initiative, teamwork, cooperation, preparedness, professionalism, reliability and a willingness to continuously improve
• Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
• Build positive relations with youth and adults to serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
• Adhere to and provide direction to staff in a manner that ensures that program areas are neat and clean, and that equipment and supplies are managed appropriately.

• Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign‑in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.

• Available during after‑school hours, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings);
  Monday‑Friday during the school year and some school holidays.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in the…