The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The Cross Island YMCA is seeking an Education Specialist that will play a critical role in providing intensive and extensive academic tutoring in the subjects of math and literacy to children in grades K-5th grades. Instruction and activities must be designed to promote subject mastery, develop grade-level competencies, and teach study skills. The Education Specialist will also be responsible for creating a safe and positive environment for school age children, to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/ personal growth. The Educational Specialist will also assist in the reviewing, writing and creation of lesson plans at the after-school program. activities in the areas of math, science, and literacy, which will teach skills and help to improve overall academic performance.

Under the guidance of the Community School Director, the Education Specialist is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading groups of assigned participants in a variety of educational enhancement activities in the areas of math, science, and literacy, which will teach skills and help to improve overall academic performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet academic standards for tutoring and demonstrate competence in analyzing student’s academic needs.
• Assist participants in actively achieving an increased comprehension and retention of specific subject material, and improved academic skill in designated areas.
• Help participants develop necessary study skills for academic success.
• Identify participants experiencing difficulty; provide encouragement and alternative explanations of subject material.
• ​Assist participants with homework as needed.
• ​Work with Education Specialist, Community School Director, and school staff to understand academic expectations of day school, and develop activities, assignments, practice tests, and strategies accordingly.
• Document, track, and maintain regular progress and academic records of designated participants. Provide feedback regarding participant progress as needed.  
• ​Assist participants in developing self-confidence and reducing anxiety or fear of failure in academic work.
• ​Work with participants to develop a high level of motivation in academic areas and positive attitudes toward learning and studying by acknowledging student efforts as well as their progress and achievements.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by always providing appropriate supervision.  
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Counselors, professional staff, teachers, and other program and school staff and help in the implementation, creation, and review of lesson plans for the after-school program.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y
• After School Program to participants and care givers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas of growth.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events, as appropriate.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.