Support Specialist

Educational Alliance (EA), one of New York City’s original settlement houses, was founded in 1889 to offer educational, social, and cultural services to Jewish immigrants arriving to the Lower East Side. Today, EA is a proudly Jewish institution that partners with diverse communities throughout Lower Manhattan. We provide New Yorkers with high-quality, transformational programs that enhance their well-being and socio-economic opportunities, reflecting our belief that everyone in our city should be given the tools to thrive.

The 14th Street Y is a vibrant Jewish community center located in Downtown Manhattan. Each year, tens of thousands of New Yorkers of all ages, races, and ethnicities come to 14Y as members, visitors, or partners to experience our high quality and varied programs centered around arts and culture, early childhood education, summer camps, fitness and aquatics, Jewish life, and older adult services.

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

This is a part-tome position working 19.5 hours per week.

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 15th, 2025 through June 3rd, 2026)

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

On Wednesdays from 12 : 30pm-2 : 30pm, pick up and supervise a group of Success Academy students. This is a high-needs group of students who require additional socioemotional and behavioral support

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

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 Disclaimer

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 bases if race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, martial status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Educational Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit