Activity Instructor Visual Arts (LEAP) Job at Good Shepherd Services in New York

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The Activity Specialist teaches and facilitates a youth centered class tailored to their specific expertise. Candidates with the following expertise are encouraged to apply:

Reports To: Bronx LEAP Program Director

Location: Creston Campus – 125 E 181 st Street, Bronx NY

Hours: 8 - 10 hours / week; Non Exempt, September - June

Schedule: Program Hours are Monday - Friday, 2pm - 6pm

Job Summary: The Visual Arts Instructor is responsible for leading hands-on, creative art classes that introduce students to a wide range of techniques and materials. The instructor should have a strong background in visual arts, experience working with children, and a passion for helping students express themselves through art. This role supports creativity, skill development, and exploration in a fun and engaging setting.

Major Duties:

• Teach age-appropriate visual arts classes using various mediums such as drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and mixed media.
• Follow and adapt a sequenced art curriculum while incorporating original projects and student interests.
• Submit lesson and unit plans in advance for review.
• Connect art projects to history, culture, literacy, or other academic themes when appropriate.
• Plan and organize a culminating art show, exhibit, or portfolio presentation at the end of each session.
• Work closely with the Program Director to ensure classes support student creativity and align with program goals.
• Collaborate with group leaders and program aides by assigning classroom support roles and sharing expectations.
• Guide support staff in helping students continue or reinforce projects between sessions.
• Manage setup, cleanup, and care of art supplies, materials, and classroom organization.
• Attend staff meetings and required trainings.
• Maintain an inclusive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable experimenting and sharing their work.
• Bring creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm to each class.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience and/or training relevant to the position required.
• Candidates with some college, experience with adolescents and teaching/coaching youth are encouraged to apply.
• Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm for young people
• Excellent planning, organization and time management skills
• Ability to engage youth, while setting structure and limits in a group setting.
• Energetic, motivated self-starter and a team player
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth and family development and trauma-informed perspective.