COMPASS Activity Specialist

COMPASS Activity Specialist (Elementary School)

Center for Educational Innovation (CEI)

Position Title: COMPASS Activity Specialist

Reports To: COMPASS Program Director

Employment Status: Part-Time (on average 15 hours per week; additional hours during school break/DOE closures)

Hourly Rate: $35.00 per hour

Work Schedule:

Monday–Friday (School Days) in the Bronx.

This position is funded through a multi-year DYCD COMPASS grant and offers the opportunity for long-term part-time employment, professional growth, and advancement within CEI. Work schedules are determined by the assigned school's after-school program hours and operational needs. Program hours are between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and additional full day hours during school breaks/DOE closures. Employees may also be required to attend occasional staff meetings, professional development sessions, family engagement events, and other program-related activities as scheduled by the Program Director.

About CEI

The Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that partners with schools to deliver innovative educational programs that empower students, educators, and families. Through its DYCD-funded COMPASS After-School Program, CEI provides high-quality academic enrichment and youth development experiences that inspire learning, leadership, creativity, and social-emotional growth.

Position Summary

The COMPASS Activity Specialist is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging after-school learning environment for elementary students. Under the supervision of the Program Director and with instructional guidance from CEI's Content Specialists, the Activity Specialist plans and delivers high-quality, hands-on academic enrichment and youth development activities within their assigned content area. As an instructor and positive role model, the Activity Specialist promotes Positive Youth Development (PYD), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and youth leadership through innovative, project-based instruction, active student engagement, positive behavior management, and collaboration with Group Leaders to maintain required staff-to-student ratios and ensure student safety. The Activity Specialist fosters a supportive learning environment where every student feels respected, inspired, and empowered to learn, create, and succeed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, structured, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students in grades K–5, ensuring activities and supervision are developmentally appropriate for each age group.
• Maintain active supervision of students during all assigned instructional activities, and transitions, ensuring compliance with DYCD staff-to-student ratios and CEI safety protocols.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders and program staff to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants throughout the program day.
• Support accurate attendance tracking and student head counts during arrival, dismissal, instructional activities, and transitions.
• Establish clear classroom expectations and implement positive, age-appropriate behavior management strategies aligned with Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) principles.
• Recognize and respond promptly to student needs, behavioral concerns, and potential safety risks, immediately reporting accidents, injuries, incidents, or other concerns to the Program Director.
• Promote a welcoming, culturally responsive, and inclusive environment that respects individual learning needs, abilities, backgrounds, and interests.
• Follow all CEI Child Supervision, Emergency Response, Incident Reporting, and DYCD policies and procedures, including established protocols for student safety, confidentiality, and mandated reporting.

Program Implementation

• Delivery of daily academic enrichment and youth development activities under the direction of the Program Director and Content Specialists.
• Engage in project-based learning experiences in areas such as:
• Coding & Robotics
• Esports
• Arts Ed
• Dance
• Literacy Book Club
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Encourage student participation through positive reinforcement and relationship-building.
• Differentiate support to meet the diverse needs of participants.
• Foster creativity, collaboration, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Positive Youth Development

• Build positive, respectful relationships with students.
• Promote student voice, choice, and leadership opportunities.
• Implement restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diversity, equity, and belonging.
• Model professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate daily attendance records.
• Assist with student sign-in and dismissal procedures.
• Complete required incident reports, behavior reports, and other program documentation.
• Support family communication as directed by the Program Director.
• Preparing classrooms, organizing materials, and maintaining a clean, safe learning environment.
• Participate in staff meetings, coaching sessions, and professional development.

Qualifications/ Minimum Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma and some college experience.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Youth Development, Human Services, Recreation, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with elementary and/or middle school-aged youth in educational, recreation, camp, after-school, or community-based settings preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to positively engage and motivate children.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school staff, families, and CEI personnel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities – Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge of:

• Positive Youth Development (PYD)
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Child development
• Classroom and behavior management
• Active supervision practices
• Restorative practices
• Cultural responsiveness and inclusive practices
• Student engagement strategies
• Team collaboration
• Basic technology and digital literacy

Professional Expectations – Group Leaders are expected to:

• Arrive on time and prepared each day.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Dress appropriately in accordance with CEI policies.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Participate in all required training and meetings.
• Support CEI's mission and organizational values.
• Maintain a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

Training Requirements – Prior to and throughout employment, Group Leaders must successfully complete all required CEI and DYCD professional development, including:

• New Employee Orientation
• COMPASS Orientation
• Child Supervision and Active Supervision
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Positive Youth Development (PYD)
• Trauma-Informed Practices and Restorative Practices
• Emergency Procedures
• Behavior Management
• CPR/First Aid (if required)
• Technology and Data Privacy
• Additional DYCD-required trainings

Background Screening – Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required pre-employment screenings, including:

• Criminal background investigation
• Fingerprinting
• Reference verification
• Employment eligibility verification
• Any additional screenings required by DYCD, the New York City Department of Education, or the assigned school partner

Only staff who have successfully completed all required clearances may supervise students independently.

Work Environment – This position requires the ability to:

• Supervise and actively engage groups of children throughout the program day.
• Move throughout classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, playgrounds, and other school facilities.
• Lift and carry instructional materials and supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor program activities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting hourly rate: $35.00 per hour
• Paid training opportunities
• Professional development and coaching
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families
• Potential opportunities for advancement within CEI

Application Process – Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (Optional)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an environment where all employees and participants feel valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds—including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, multilingual candidates, and members of historically underrepresented communities—to apply.

Join CEI and help inspire the next generation of learners, leaders, and innovators through the COMPASS After-School Program.

Please Contract: [email protected] for any questions

Pay: $35.00 per hour

Work Location: In person