Arts Activity Specialist (Education and Workforce TEP)

Organization Overview:The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) is a non-profit multi-service organization focusing primarily on the needs of children and low-income families out-of-school and out-of-work youth and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville and seek to deliver programs that are impactful innovative and intergenerational.

Position Summary:We are seeking a creative and skilled Arts and Crafts Specialist with a strong focus on DIY projects to join our organization. As an Arts and Crafts Specialist you will be responsible for developing coordinating and conducting arts and crafts programs and workshops with an emphasis on do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques and projects. You will work closely with teenagers to inspire creativity foster artistic expression and provide hands-on guidance for various DIY art projects. The ideal candidate should have a passion for arts and crafts a strong knowledge of DIY techniques and the ability to inspire and engage participants.

Under the supervision of the Summer Teen Program Manager the Activity Specialists will be responsible for but not limited to the following duties:

Schedule: Sunday-Saturday (Varies)12-15 hours per week (Seasonal)

Hourly Rate: $20.00/hr

Roles Responsibilities and Essential Duties

Arts Programming & Instruction

• Design andfacilitatehands-on arts and crafts workshopsfor teens ages1319 adapting lesson plans to accommodate varying skill levels.

• Develop a diverse range ofDIY arts projects including painting crafting upcycling and mixed-media activities.

• Create detailed project plans that includematerials lists step-by-step instructions and visual aidsfor participants.

• Demonstrate creative techniques and guide participants in the use of materials and tools.

• Encourage participants to experiment withdifferent materialsand develop their own creative styles.

Creative Development & Youth Engagement

• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing ideas and creative work.

• Provide guidance and support to participants throughout the project process including troubleshooting and problem-solving.

• Serve as apositive role modeldemonstratingprofessionalism collaboration and creative leadership.

• Utilizepositive youth development strategiesto address challenges and celebrate youth achievements.

• Serve as a positive role modeldemonstratingprofessionalism leadership and respect.

• Support staff in implementing positive youth development and behavior management strategies.

• Address behavioral concerns andassistwith conflict resolution whilemaintaininga supportive environment.

• Celebrate youth achievements and encourage participation in program activities and leadership opportunities.

Program Collaboration & Events

• Collaborate with other program specialists and instructors to integrate media activities across program areas.

• Organize opportunities for participants toshowcasemedia projects through exhibitions screenings orcommunity events.

• Collaborate with site leadership and other program specialists to integrate arts programming into broader program activities.

• Support the planning and coordination ofarts exhibitions displays and creative showcaseshighlighting participant work.

• Assistwith organizing program events including theFamily & Friendsshowcaseeventcelebrating youth accomplishments.

• Promote arts programming throughsocial media flyers and community outreach initiatives.

• Support the coordination of theFamily & Friendsshowcaseevent highlighting youth media projects and program achievements.

Program Evaluation

• Evaluate the effectiveness of workshops and media programming by gathering feedback from participants.

• Adjust workshop content and activities to improve engagement and learning outcomes.

• Participate inpre-program training staff meetings and ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Collaborate with program staff during daily check-ins and planning meetings.

• Perform otherduties asassigned to support the success of theSummer Teen Expansion Program (TEP).

Program Operations & Facilities

• Maintain an inventory of media equipment supplies and software resources.

• Maintain a safe and organized workspace during media production activities.

• Assistwith preparing program spaces for workshops and media production sessions.

• Assistin ensuring that program spacesremainsafe clean and organized.

• Monitor recreational spaces and ensure proper care of equipment and materials.

• Support daily program setup and closing procedures.

• Ensure program activities adhere to organizational health and safety protocols.

Professional Development & Organizational Support

• Participate in pre-program training staff meetings and ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Remain available to work evenings and weekends as required by program operations.

• Perform otherduties asassigned to support the success of the Summer Teen Expansion Program (TEP).

Communication & Program Reporting

• Establish andmaintainpositive relationships with participants families staff and community partners.

• Support communication channels between youth participants families and program staff.

• Collect feedback from participants and staff to help identify opportunities for program improvement.

• Assistwith preparing reports related to program activities attendance and participant engagement.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant success.

Educational Requirementsand Qualifications

• Experience inarts education creative programming DIY crafting or visual arts instruction.

• Experience working with youth in educational afterschool or community programs preferred.

• Strong communicationand facilitation skills.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage materials and project timelines.

• Experience working in youth programs community organizations or educational settings preferred.

• First Aid and CPR certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).

KnowledgeSkilland Abilities

• Knowledge of various art mediums includingpainting crafting mixed media and DIY design techniques.

• Familiarity withCricut machines or similar digital cutting toolspreferred or willingness tolearn.

• Abilityto communicate information clearly accurately and professionally.

• Ability to create an engaging inclusive and supportive creative environment for youth.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and youth participants.

• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse youth populations.

• Enthusiasm for mentoring and supporting teen development.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Highly motivated and committed to supporting youth development and the mission of the organization

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Ability tostand walk and move throughout program spaces for extended periodsduring workshops and activities.

• Ability tolift and carry arts supplies or materials up to 25 pounds.

• Ability toset up and organize arts workstations and project materials.

• Ability to usecrafting tools scissors cutting tools and digital crafting equipment safely.

• Ability to supervise participants while they are using crafting materials and equipment.

• Ability tomaintainactive supervision of youth participants across multiple program areas.

• Work is performed primarily in acommunity center classroom or arts studio environment.

• Position requiresevening and weekend availabilityconsistent with program hours.

• Work environment may includemoderate noise levels and active workshop settings.

• Frequent interaction withyouth participants program staff and volunteers.

• Activities may involve the use ofpaints adhesives crafting tools and digital crafting equipment.

• Staff must ensure that program spacesremainclean organized and safe for participants.

• Ability to quickly respond to emergencies or safety concerns involving participants.

• Work is primarily conducted in a community center orprogramfacility environment.

• Staff may supervise youth in classrooms recreational spaces kitchens outdoor areas andcommon areas.

• Position requires evening and weekend work consistent with program hours.

• Staff may occasionally be exposed to moderate noise levels typical of youth programming environments.

• Requires frequent interaction with youth participants families and program staff.

• Staff mustmaintain professional conduct and positive engagement with youth at all times.

• Work may involveoccasional travelwithin the facilitynearby program areasand off-siteto support activities andsupervision.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion creed gender national origin age disability marital or veteran status sexual orientationgender identityor any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.