Activity Specialist

Purpose Statement: The Activity Specialist is responsible for leading engaging, skill-based enrichment activities that support students’ personal, social, and intellectual development. Specialists provide instruction in their area of expertise (theater, violin, or other designated discipline) while creating a positive and inclusive learning environment under the supervision of the After-School Program Director.

Essential Functions: Administers standards of behavior and discipline for the purpose of ensuring the safety and well being of students.

• Instruction & Engagement: Develop and implement dynamic lessons in theater, violin, or other assigned arts areas. Adapt instruction to students’ grade levels and abilities.
• Youth Development: Foster creativity, collaboration, and confidence-building through structured activities and performance opportunities.
• Classroom & Behavior Management: Maintain standards of behavior to ensure student safety and well-being.
• Collaboration: Work closely with program staff to integrate activities into the broader after-school curriculum.
• Parent & Family Communication: Share student progress and program updates with families when appropriate.
• Program Support: Assist with homework help, group supervision, and special events as needed.
• Documentation: Maintain attendance records, lesson plans, and reports of incidents or progress.
• Professional Development: Attend monthly staff trainings and contribute to program growth.

Job Requirements: Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills & Knowledge

• Expertise in theater instruction or violin/music instruction (depending on specialty).
• Strong youth development and classroom management skills.
• Ability to design engaging, culturally responsive lessons.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Abilities

• Work collaboratively with diverse groups of students and staff.
• Balance structured instruction with creativity and flexibility.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional training in Theater, Music/Violin, Arts Education, or related field preferred.
• Prior teaching or youth development experience required.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating a supportive learning environment.

Responsibility: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 15% sitting, 20% walking, and 65% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment. Working Environment Targeted job-related education that meets organization's prerequisite requirements. Job related experience is desired.

Additional Information

Children’s Arts & Science Workshops, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for persons with disabilities.

Funded by NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.

Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires

www.caswkids.org independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communication skills; working as part of a team; assisting students, and maintaining confidentiality. Children's Arts & Science Workshops, Inc. is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request by person with disabilities