Bindlestiff’s Cirkus After School seeks  teaching assistant
No prior circus experience necessary. What’s in your heart and head matters more than your juggling skills. Willing to train the right individual
Age requirement: 18+
Starting salary $20.00 / hour Part Time, 6 – 10  hours / week, year-round
Location: Columbia County, NY
Skills / requirements: (* flexible points )
Not all or our host sites are ADA compliant. Stairs are part of our reality in all work sites
Job requires moving equipment and “spotting” students for safety
Able to lift 30lbs
Prior professional experience in out-of-school-time youth programming (CIT, counselor, program assistant, provider, etc.) or first-hand experience in child care
Willingness to work toward skill development in the areas of youth work, work with elders, and circus techniques
* Strong Preference given to graduates of Hudson City School District especially former HBN ASP or HDY participants / staff
* Applicants with experience / development in dance, theater, sport, gymnastics, or other physical skill discipline will be considered first
***Non-flexible points***
*** Able to work with youth in School District, Community Center, private, and municipally controlled venues
*** Fully vaccinated with 2 initial does and booster against COVID-19
***Willingness to comply with CDC and NYS DoH guidelines for COVID-19 community safety
Duties:
Helping to set up and clear equipment for class
Take leadership in specific skills they have foundations in
Supports culture of program in cooperation with Lead Coach / Site Director
Lead activities such as games and warm-ups; and support other coaches and junior staff
Coordinate with Site Director and Lead Coaches on how class will run, creatively contributes to lesson plan
Supports youth in self-assessment activities, surveys, etc.
Shows proactive thinking and engages with distracted students
Mentor and encourage young learners
Keeps participants engaged in a positive, creative way while embodying CAS Values.
Shows creativity in creating activities, suggesting games, facilitating group conversations.
Shows strong class management and facilitation skills.
Shows cultural sensitivity and willingness to learn about participants.
Shows positive communication skills with youth and other adults, including host venue staff, families, and community members.
Shows commitment to personal development including circus skills, show production, and community interaction.
Paid Training
30 hours required (paid) training in CAS culture, policies, and circus technique
Ongoing quarterly staff trainings in youth development and best practices
Bi-weekly all-staff meetings
Advancement
Salary increase to $35.00 / hour after initial 30-hour training plus 40 hours classroom experience at CAS site plus professional development in TIC, SEL, RJ, PYD and circus skills
To apply
Email stephanie@bindlestiff.org
Questions call or text 917-744-6844

ABOUT US
BINDLESTIFF’S CIRKUS AFTER SCHOOL (CAS) and Coarc Cirkus are programs of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus (BFC).
Skills like juggling, stilt walking, tumbling, partner acrobatics, prop manipulation and physical comedy help individuals to become stronger learners, community members, and leaders by encouraging them to express themselves creatively, challenge themselves physically, and work inventively with others. Coarc Cirkus serves adults with neuro-diversity and physical differences. The skill families of circus arts speak to varied interests and encourage physical and emotional well-being. Our methods are rooted in Social Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Care, and strengths-based approaches.

As educators, we help folks discover and develop their unique gifts; we look for creative ways to participate in our community life; and we seek healthy collaboration that supports our personal growth.

The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has been making, producing, and touring original new circus work since 1995. Based in Unceded Lenapehoking (NYC) and Unceded Mu-he-con-ne-ok Lands (Columbia County) The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and Bindlestiff’s Cirkus After School actively cultivates a culture of anti-racism, inclusivity, accessibility, and equity for everyone regardless of age, race, gender expression or identity, life experience, justice-impacted status, immigration status, religion, culture, ability, education level, or preference.