Activity Specialist — Middle SONYC Program

Start Date:

Early September

Schedule:

Part-time, 20 hours per week

Job Type: Part-time Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Location:

Brooklyn, NY

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.

Visit us onicaartsmedia.org

Position Summary

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.

(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.