After School Support Specialist

Educational Alliance, a 136-year-old New York institution, is a vibrant, dynamic organization serving New Yorkers from all walks of life. We serve everyone regardless of the language they speak, where they come from, or their socioeconomic status. We believe that everyone should have a chance to live a better life and that arts and culture, education, health and wellness, and social services can help lay that foundation. 

The 14Y After School Program engages hands, heads, and hearts for children in K-5th grade attending schools across the East Village. After School is a neurodiverse community, and all staff members are responsible for supporting neurodivergent and neurotypical students to have a successful after school day. 

We are seeking part-time After School Support Specialists who will be directly responsible for the well-being of all after schoolers at the 14th Street Y After School Program.  Support Specialists are enthusiastic, highly motivated, creative, and responsible role models, with a special eye towards those with additional social/emotional/behavioral/mental health needs, including diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mood or anxiety disorders, sensory processing issues, etc.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

·    Attend all days of staff orientation before After School (weeknights) 

·    Attend all days of After-School and monthly staff meetings during the year (After School runs from September 14th, 2026, through June 4th, 2027)

·    Learn about assigned after-schoolers who need additional support and help carry out their plan for success throughout the summer

·    On Mondays or Fridays Swim periods, assist campers who require additional support in the pool (this includes assisting swim instructors, repeating instructions & expectations, redirecting unsafe or disruptive behaviors, etc.)

·    Communicate regularly with Support Coordinator about the campers' progress and challenges, and with AFS Program Manager about daily schedule and responsibilities

·    Work harmoniously with Group Leaders to support after-schoolers 

·    Must adhere to agency and site-specific safety standards

·    Comply with city and departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures

·    Maintain standards of AFS conduct, behavior management protocols and inclusion, which includes using restorative approach to address after-schooler(s) conflicts 

·    When working with after-schoolers and fellow staff, uphold and implement our values (Growth, Empathy, Wonder, Spirit, Community-Mindedness, Kindness, and Gratitude)

After-School Activities

·    Assume responsibility for the physical and mental health and safety of all after-schoolers

·    Actively participate in all enrichment classes & activities

·    Provide quality supervision at all times (e.g. during school pick-up, in assigned homeroom, during snack, throughout activities and all transitional periods)

·    If needed, Assist Group Leaders with pick-ups

·    Encourage all children to do their best & be their on-site daily support system 

·    Focus on social dynamics & friendship building 

·    Be a supportive partner for children with additional support needs to anticipate/identify when they might need additional support, and proactively engage them using supportive       strategies from a strengths-based perspective 

·    Build rapport with families and caregivers during dismissal, and provide contextual daily updates if needed 

·    Provide weekly progress updates to Support Coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS

·    Availability to attend all days of After-School (September 14th, 2026 – June 4th, 2027) is required

·    Currently pursuing an education in Social Work, Special Education, or any related fields, Bachelor’s Degree a plus

·    Demonstrated interest and experience in working with children who are neurodivergent, or have other additional social/emotional/behavioral/mental health needs 

·    Patience and willingness to learn about different disabilities or atypical support needs and ways to support children who might need additional support 

·    Willingness to learn about and participate in Jewish culture and traditions

·    Friendly, warm, active and genuinely enjoys working in a childcare setting

·    Excellent communication skills

·    Collaborative, flexible, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment 

·    Previous experience working with children from diverse cultural and social backgrounds

Limitations and Disclaimers

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org