Content Specialist Middle School

Position Overview

Zone 126 is seeking a dedicated and creative Content Specialist to support the delivery of high-quality after

school programming at IS 126Q Albert Shanker School for Visual and Performing Arts. The Content Specialist will

play a key role in ensuring that program activities across all required content areas are engaging, developmentally

responsive, and reflective of COMPASS and Zone 126 youth development standards.

This individual will supervise and coach Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers to strengthen

instructional quality, ensure alignment to program goals, and support strong implementation of daily lesson plans.

The Content Specialist will collaborate closely with the After School Program Director, school partners, and Zone

126 leadership to support curriculum selection, observation cycles, and ongoing staff development.

This position provides 12 hours per week of on-site support and reports directly to the After School Program

Director.

Essential Responsibilities

• Conduct regular observations of enrichment, recreation, SEL, and academic support activities.
• Select age-appropriate, culturally responsive curricula aligned with COMPASS and Zone 126 program goals.
• Collaborate with staff to design, refine, and implement lesson plans that promote creativity, engagement, and skill-building.
• Assess instructional delivery, classroom management, pacing, and youth engagement using youth development frameworks.
• Provide strengths-based, actionable feedback that supports continuous quality improvement.
• Supervise, coach, and model effective practices for Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, and Youth Workers.
• Support staff in implementing inclusive and developmentally appropriate facilitation strategies.
• Identify training needs and partner with the Program Director to plan and deliver professional development.
• Ensure staff meet program expectations and are supported in building confidence, competence, and

consistency.

• Work closely with the After School Program Director to strengthen program operations, systems, and

alignment with DOE and COMPASS expectations.

• Offer feedback related to staff performance, curriculum materials, and overall program quality.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to program planning, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least one (1) year of experience in youth development, education, coaching, or program supervision.
• Experience selecting curricula and developing lesson plans preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to coach staff and model strong facilitation practices.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with program leadership and school partners.
• Highly organized, has strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, and has demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Punctuality, attendance, and reliability is a must.
• DOE Fingerprinting Clearance required for all staff. Fingerprinting costs are reimbursable after 90 days of successful employment.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred, not required.

Work Location and Schedule

• The job will be based at IS 126Q (31-51 21st St, Astoria, NY 11106) which is easily by the N/W/F trains and

Q18/Q69/Q100 bus lines).

• This position is 100% in person with no option to work remotely, this position will also be active when school is not in session to prepare for when school is in session.
• Part-time position at 12 hours per week.
• Candidates must be available 3 days per week, 5 hours per day, Monday through Friday between
• 2pm - 6pm.

Pre-Employment Requirements

As a condition of employment, candidates receiving a conditional offer must successfully complete all required preemployment screenings, clearances, and documentation prior to their start date. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• NYC Public Schools Personnel Eligibility Tracking System (PETS) clearance, as applicable.
• NYC DOHMH IdentoGO fingerprinting for School-Age Child Care (SACC).
• New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Statewide Central Register (SCR) clearance.
• Completion of all required New York State Education Department (NYSED) and OCFS forms and documentation.
• A current medical examination, including required tuberculosis (TB) screening.
• Verification of work authorization and any additional clearances required by FCNY, Zone 126, NYC Public Schools, NYC DOHMH, NYSED, OCFS, DYCD, or other applicable regulatory agencies.

Salary and Benefits

Hourly Rate Range $30 without room for negotiation.

About Zone 126

Zone 126’s mission is to combat chronic absenteeism by connecting students to youth development programming

that builds pathways to college, the workforce, and promising futures.

Zone 126 envisions a community in which all students have the support needed to participate in their education and

pursue successful futures that break generational cycles of poverty.

For additional information on our sites and programs, visit www.zone126.org.