Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: Stanley M. Isaacs- Education Workforce - New York, NY 10128Position Type: Part TimeSalary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 HourlyOrganization Overview: The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) is a non-profit, multi-service organization focusing primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.
Position Summary: We are seeking a creative and skilled Arts and Crafts Specialist with a strong focus on DIY projects to join our organization. As an Arts and Crafts Specialist, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and conducting arts and crafts programs and workshops with an emphasis on do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques and projects. You will work closely with teenagers to inspire creativity, foster artistic expression, and provide hands-on guidance for various DIY art projects. The ideal candidate should have a passion for arts and crafts, a strong knowledge of DIY techniques, and the ability to inspire and engage participants.
Under the supervision of the Summer Teen Program Manager, the Activity Specialists will be responsible for, but not limited to the following duties:
Schedule: Sunday-Saturday (Varies), 12-15 hours per week (Seasonal)
Hourly Rate: $20.00/hr
Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties
Arts Programming & Instruction
Design and facilitate hands-on arts and crafts workshops for teens ages 13–19, adapting lesson plans to accommodate varying skill levels.
Develop a diverse range of DIY arts projects, including painting, crafting, upcycling, and mixed-media activities.
Create detailed project plans that include materials lists, step-by-step instructions, and visual aids for participants.
Demonstrate creative techniques and guide participants in the use of materials and tools.
Encourage participants to experiment with different materials and develop their own creative styles.
Creative Development & Youth Engagement
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing ideas and creative work.
Provide guidance and support to participants throughout the project process, including troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, collaboration, and creative leadership.
Utilize positive youth development strategies to address challenges and celebrate youth achievements.
Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, leadership, and respect.
Support staff in implementing positive youth development and behavior management strategies.
Address behavioral concerns and assist with conflict resolution while maintaining a supportive environment.
Celebrate youth achievements and encourage participation in program activities and leadership opportunities.
Program Collaboration & Events
Collaborate with other program specialists and instructors to integrate media activities across program areas.
Organize opportunities for participants to showcase media projects through exhibitions, screenings, or community events.
Collaborate with site leadership and other program specialists to integrate arts programming into broader program activities.
Support the planning and coordination of arts exhibitions, displays, and creative showcases highlighting participant work.
Assist with organizing program events, including the Family & Friends showcase event celebrating youth accomplishments.
Promote arts programming through social media, flyers, and community outreach initiatives.
Support the coordination of the Family & Friends showcase event, highlighting youth media projects and program achievements.
Program Evaluation
Evaluate the effectiveness of workshops and media programming by gathering feedback from participants.
Adjust workshop content and activities to improve engagement and learning outcomes.
Participate in pre-program training, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Collaborate with program staff during daily check-ins and planning meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Summer Teen Expansion Program (TEP).
Program Operations & Facilities
Maintain an inventory of media equipment, supplies, and software resources.
Maintain a safe and organized workspace during media production activities.
Assist with preparing program spaces for workshops and media production sessions.
Assist in ensuring that program spaces remain safe, clean, and organized.
Monitor recreational spaces and ensure proper care of equipment and materials.
Support daily program setup and closing procedures.
Ensure program activities adhere to organizational health and safety protocols.
Professional Development & Organizational Support
Participate in pre-program training, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Remain available to work evenings and weekends as required by program operations.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Summer Teen Expansion Program (TEP).
Communication & Program Reporting
Establish and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, staff, and community partners.
Support communication channels between youth participants, families, and program staff.
Collect feedback from participants and staff to help identify opportunities for program improvement.
Assist with preparing reports related to program activities, attendance, and participant engagement.
Additional Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant success.
Educational Requirements and Qualifications
Experience in arts education, creative programming, DIY crafting, or visual arts instruction.
Experience working with youth in educational, afterschool, or community programs preferred.
Strong communication and facilitation skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage materials and project timelines.
Experience working in youth programs, community organizations, or educational settings preferred.
First Aid and CPR certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
Knowledge of various art mediums including painting, crafting, mixed media, and DIY design techniques.
Familiarity with Cricut machines or similar digital cutting tools preferred, or willingness to learn.
Ability to communicate information clearly, accurately, and professionally.
Ability to create an engaging, inclusive, and supportive creative environment for youth.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and youth participants.
Cultural competency and experience working with diverse youth populations.
Enthusiasm for mentoring and supporting teen development.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Highly motivated and committed to supporting youth development and the mission of the organization
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout program spaces for extended periods during workshops and activities.
Ability to lift and carry arts supplies or materials up to 25 pounds.
Ability to set up and organize arts workstations and project materials.
Ability to use crafting tools, scissors, cutting tools, and digital crafting equipment safely.
Ability to supervise participants while they are using crafting materials and equipment.
Ability to maintain active supervision of youth participants across multiple program areas.
Work is performed primarily in a community center classroom or arts studio environment.
Position requires evening and weekend availability consistent with program hours.
Work environment may include moderate noise levels and active workshop settings.
Frequent interaction with youth participants, program staff, and volunteers.
Activities may involve the use of paints, adhesives, crafting tools, and digital crafting equipment.
Staff must ensure that program spaces remain clean, organized, and safe for participants.
Ability to quickly respond to emergencies or safety concerns involving participants.
Work is primarily conducted in a community center or program facility environment.
Staff may supervise youth in classrooms, recreational spaces, kitchens, outdoor areas, and common areas.
Position requires evening and weekend work, consistent with program hours.
Staff may occasionally be exposed to moderate noise levels typical of youth programming environments.
Requires frequent interaction with youth participants, families, and program staff.
Staff must maintain professional conduct and positive engagement with youth at all times.
Work may involve occasional travel within the facility, nearby program areas, and off-site to support activities and supervision.
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.
Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.