Part-Time Cooking Activity Specialist - Urban Assembly Academy
Job at a glance
Description The YWCA of the City of New York (YWCA NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We are a multiracial social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues that emerge at the intersection of race, class, and gender. We reach more than 3,000 New York City youth each year, offering leadership and advocacy training for young women through our high school Girls Initiatives, and providing after-school COMPASS and SONYC programs for elementary and middle school students in culturally diverse communities.
Through culturally responsive programming and a strong model of youth development, we create pathways for the next generation of leaders to reach their dreams and drive social change. We seek caring, creative, knowledgeable, and results-oriented Activity Specialists committed to positive youth development and capable of creating and implementing curriculum in an afterschool setting. In this role, the Cooking Activity Specialist will plan, deliver, and supervise engaging, age-appropriate activities for participants in YWCA after-school programs.
The individual in this position fosters a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where all students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow, while working closely with program leadership and school staff to align lessons with program objectives, prepare youth for showcases or events, and adapt curriculum to meet diverse needs. Salary Range: $25-$30 per hour Job Type: Part Time Expected hours: 9 –12 hours per week Location: Harlem Key Responsibilities Design & Instruction Design and deliver sequenced units and lessons using Understanding by Design (UbD) that integrate DYCD content areas and youth development principles.
Develop measurable learning objectives and assessments (exit tickets, rubrics, work samples) tied to UbD transfer goals. Create hands-on, inquiry-based activities that spark curiosity and expose students to new ways of thinking. Infuse SEL strategies, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive approaches into daily instruction. Differentiate instruction and apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies to meet diverse learner needs and abilities.
Ensure all activities and curricula align with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, program goals, and student interests. Adapt curriculum and teaching strategies based on student needs, assessment data, and feedback. Lead a culminating curriculum showcase at the end of each instructional cycle to demonstrate student learning and growth to families, school staff, and stakeholders. Maintain a positive, student-centered, and safe learning environment through effective classroom management and behavior supports.
Compliance & Operational Duties Follow DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, site safety protocols, and SACC/DOH regulations. Complete required documentation: attendance, lesson logs, incident reports, and program data entry (DYCD Connect as applicable). Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and observation/coaching cycles. Always supervise participants, ensuring their safety and well-being in compliance with YWCA policies.
Collaboration & Communication Coordinate with Program Director, Education Specialists, and school staff to align after-school activities with school-day goals. Communicate regularly with families about student progress and showcase events. Support recruitment, attendance strategies, and sustain positive relationships with school partners. Support field trips, community-building events, and other enrichment opportunities to enhance program impact.
Requirements Qualifications Associate's degree or 18 credits in education, Youth Development, Arts, STEM, or related field (or equivalent experience). Minimum 1–2 years experience delivering activities to school-age youth in after-school or OST settings. Experience with project-based learning, UbD, SEL integration, or similar curriculum framewo