CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

2021-22 Afterschool Programs

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS FACILITATOR/GROUP LEADER

Immigrant Social Services, Inc (ISS) seeks motivated, enthusiastic, creative, and reliable individuals with a strong commitment to youth development for the position of Afterschool Programs Facilitator/Group Leader to provide and deliver an engaging learning experience for participants (Pre-K through 5th Grade) in our afterschool programs. ISS is a non-profit organization that operates afterschool programs at public school sites in Manhattan’s Lower East Side and Chinatown.

Afterschool Programs Facilitators/Group Leaders are an invaluable part of our team and work collaboratively with the program site team to create a youth-centered, interest-driven, inquiry-based enriched learning environment. The ideal candidate is committed to nurturing children and youth through positive youth development and the whole child approach. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to gain skills and experience in youth development at a non-profit setting. We provide comprehensive professional development and training to help enhance capacity, knowledge, and competencies on youth development, professional skills, career growth, and leadership development.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Responsible for day-to-day guidance, care, support, and safety of a group of youth participants.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with youth participants of diverse backgrounds and needs
  • Ensure the orderly operation of the program in adherence to policies, protocols, and procedures, including accompanying students to classroom during school dismissal and facilitating after-school parent pick up.
  • Help prepare and implement purposeful, developmentally appropriate, and socially engaging hands-on learning experiences that align with the philosophy, approach, and values of ISS.  
  • Cultivate effective study skills and provide guidance to support students’ daily practice of completing homework and assigned reading from day school, as well as other learning projects.
  • Proactively communicate regularly with program site leadership staff about any issues, including but not limited to behavioral challenges, scheduling, and curricula.
  • Attendance at professional development and training and designated meetings as required.

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated interest, experience, and competency in working and interacting with immigrant children/youth and their families.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and group management skills.
  • Minimum Associate’s degree or be currently enrolled in college with appropriate training, certification, experience or strong academic record in area of study. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively and respectfully with a broad range of diverse constituents with diverse needs.
  • Self-starter with the ability to think and act independently and problem solve, manage multiple priorities effectively, and adapt quickly.
  • Open-minded, willingness to be coached, and a lifelong learner.
  • Experience or specialization in the fields of Education, Child and Youth Development, English Language Arts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), social studies, and/or the arts, preferred.
  • Proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese) or Spanish, a plus.
  • Knowledge of issues prevalent in underserved immigrant communities, a plus.
  • Prior experience working with English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education Plans a plus

This is a part-time position is available immediately and follows the NYC DOE academic calendar. Must be available during afterschool hours, Monday – Friday, approx. 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Flexible days, but five days a week is preferred. Hourly rate based on experience.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

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AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS SITE DIRECTOR

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The Afterschool Programs Site Director is responsible for the overall development, implementation, and day-to-day management at our school site-based afterschool programs for Pre-K to 5th grade students.

Immigrant Social Services (ISS) is a community-based non-profit organization serving Manhattan’s Chinatown/Lower East Side community. During the school year, we operate fee-based afterschool programs across a network of five public schools in the neighborhood.

Our Program Approach

ISS recognizes that the out-of-school time space presents new opportunities for us to reimagine learning and achievement that address the realities of an immigrant population often left out of the mainstream narrative. Guided by our quest of leveraging the afterschool space to inspire young minds and hearts, we strive to create and support a culture that enables them to thrive. 

Designed to cultivate curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and compassion within a framework responsive to the needs of immigrant students and their families, ISS afterschool program activities and curricular content that integrate the areas of language arts and literacy, STEM, social studies, arts and culture, health and fitness, social and emotional development via a child-centered environment that enhances the joy of learning.

Responsibilities: 

Oversee and manage daily onsite program operations and implementation of quality learning experiences.

Ensure the execution of a cohesive and holistic afterschool programming curriculum and structure that align with the organization’s goals and responsive to the needs of the students.

Recruit, hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate site-based staff.

Develop and implement program outreach and recruitment strategies to maximize student enrollment. 

Provide a high level of customer service by responding to inquiries about our program, resolving any concerns, assisting with registration process to ensure a positive experience for parents/guardians and students.

Develop and maintain a strong collaborative relationship with school leadership, administrators, staff, parents/caregivers, and community partners/stakeholders.

Monitor program budget, track expenses, and assist with contracts, grants, and reports to funders.

Ensure compliance with NYS OCFS SACC, DOHMH, DOE, and other regulatory agencies, monitor site for quality and risk management standards, and develop and maintain systems, procedures, and processes to ensure compliance, operations, and safety.

Maintain accurate records, track progress and outcomes, and implement formal and informal program evaluation.

Determine ongoing needs/interests of students, parents/guardians, and schools, and program impact, including administer feedback surveys and program assessments.

Other duties as assigned based on organizational needs.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

  • B.A./B.S. Degree in education or related fields. Master’s Degree, a plus.
  • Minimum of five years relevant experience with elementary age children in an educational setting.
  • At least two years of demonstrated track record with out-of-school time program management and operations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate direct service staff and provide appropriate support and guidance through observation, feedback, coaching, and training to ensure that program staff is accountable for delivering quality program.
  • A self-starter with the ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment with strong organizational, problem solving, conflict resolution, and crisis management skills.
  • A commitment to a whole child approach to education and positive youth development.
  • Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues prevalent in underserved immigrant communities and children of immigrants, especially of Asian/Chinese descent.
  • Knowledge of DOE/public school system; out-of-school time programs and networks; non-profit organizations; curriculum design and implementation; program evaluation and assessment; Asian American studies; community development.
  • Bilingual English/Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese) preferred.

Immediate openings; Part-time; Must be available during program operations hours of Monday through Friday, 2:00pm-6:00pm when NYC public schools are in session.

TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject line: “Afterschool Programs Site Director”.

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Early Childhood Afterschool Educator

Immigrant Social Services, Inc (ISS) seeks motivated, enthusiastic, creative, and reliable individuals with a strong commitment to early childhood development for the position of Early Childhood Afterschool Educator/Education Associate to provide and deliver an engaging learning experience for participants in our afterschool programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for day-to-day guidance, care, support, and safety of youth participants. Educators must also be ready at all times to follow procedural protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all program participants and staff
  • Plan and implement engaging and purposeful developmentally appropriate enrichment activities. These will include existing ISS-developed curricula and lesson ideas as well as educator-developed activities. Training, guidance, and assessment will be provided.
  • Ensure the orderly operation of the program, including, accompanying students to classroom during school dismissal and facilitating after-school parent pick up.
  • Demonstrate effective management and engagement of program participants.
  • Use developmentally appropriate strategies to maintain a positive environment and interpersonal relationships between program staff and participants
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with students and families of diverse backgrounds and needs
  • Proactively communicate regularly with program site management staff about any issues, including but not limited to behavioral challenges, scheduling, and curricula.
  • Attendance at professional development and training and designated meetings as required.
  • Ensure that afterschool youth programs align with the organization’s mission, values, and approach.

Skills & Qualifications:

  • B.A./B.S. or equivalent experience in early childhood education or related field preferred.
  • A.A. degree or be currently enrolled in college with appropriate training, certification, experience or strong academic record in area of study.
  • Minimum of two years’ experience in the field. Ability to engage with Pre-K to 1st grade children in age-appropriate ways.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an approachable and caring nature.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively and respectfully with a broad range of diverse constituents, including parents/guardians
  • Self-starter with the ability to think and act independently and problem solve, manage multiple priorities effectively, be flexible, and adapt quickly.
  • Proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese) or Spanish, a plus.
  • Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues prevalent in underserved immigrant communities and children of immigrants, especially of Asian/Chinese descent.

Hours and Commitment: This is a part-time/contract position that follows the NYC DOE 2021-22 academic calendar. Must be available during afterschool hours, Monday–Friday, 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Flexible days, but five days a week is preferred.

TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject line: “Early Childhood Afterschool Educator”.