Reporting directly to the Program Director and Assistant Director, the Art Activity Specialist will work with the Group Leader and be responsible for the overall care and safety of the students. The Art Activity Specialist is responsible for developing age-appropriate lesson plans and tailoring the curriculum for different grade levels and various learning styles. The instructor will teach elementary school students in grades K-5 a variety of skills related to art under the guidance of the Content Specialist.
This position will be a part of our Youth and Family Services offered at Sunnyside Community Services, which includes a pre-kindergarten program, after-school programs for elementary and middle school students, high school job readiness, career readiness, enrichment programming, and Adult and Immigrant Services.
Responsibilities
- Supervise a group of K-5th grade children along with the Group Leader and provide for the safety and well-being of participants.
- Create and carry out age-appropriate lesson plans relevant to the program theme.
- Submit age-appropriate lesson plans on time.
- Create presentations and visuals for participants.
- Teach at least two art classes per day.
- Carry out SEL activities as required by our funders.
- Assist and engage participants and lead by example.
- Help prepare materials and examples in advance for student understanding during activities.
- Assist with planning and preparation of special events and projects.
- Be the main support in putting together a showcase for the parents at the end of each of the three cycles.
- Collaborate with other Activity Specialists, as well as Group Leaders, to make sure everyone is working towards a common goal for the parent showcase.
- Meet regularly with supervisor and other staff members to share best practices and address challenges.
- Attend essential workshops and mandated training.
- Lift program materials to and from our office and other areas.
- Go up and down the stairs on a daily basis.
- Maintain the cleanliness of program space and ensure program supplies are well organized and in good condition- this includes wiping tables and sweeping floors when needed.
- Arrive on time to your shift daily, in uniform, ready to engage with the participants and activities of the day.
- Follow through with other responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years old or older.
- Must be available Monday – Friday, 2 – 5:45 pm (limited flexibility to accommodate school schedules).
- Must be an expert within this field or a college or graduate student working towards such specialization.
- Experience working with children in a school environment is preferred.
- Excellent organizational, communication and teaching skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Afterschool staff are expected to be committed to the position until the end of the school year in June. They are welcome to reapply for a summer camp position.
Compensation: $21.00 – $25.00/hour (Non-Exempt)
Dates: September 8, 2026 – June 28, 2027
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 2 – 5:45pm; Up to 3 hours of Mandatory Weekly Trainings; 13 pre-selected holidays (8 am – 6 pm)
Location: PS 150Q in Sunnyside, Queens
How to Apply:
Email a cover letter and resume to Lizzette Mejia-Gil, Program Director, at lmejia@scsny.org. Please indicate “Afterschool Art Instructor” in the email subject line.
All positions at Sunnyside Community Services are filled without regard to race/color, religion/creed, national origin, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy-related condition or lactation, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, height, weight, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/ sex offenses, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration or citizenship status, prior arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, pre-employment marijuana testing, union affiliation/activity, or for reporting or opposing discrimination on these bases or for reporting or opposing violations of workplace health and safety, pay equity or practices, or for participating in any internal or any legally protected status listed in the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). All are encouraged to apply.
Sunnyside Community Services strives to address, explore, and educate all our stakeholders about the diversity of human experience and to advance and integrate racial equity and social justice into all organizational policies and programs. We believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization, should feel equally involved and supported.
Sunnyside Community Services represents a commitment to considering the whole person and how systemic barriers and access to opportunities can affect their well-being.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer