ABOUT NORTHSIDE CENTER

Northside Center for Child Development serves over 4,000 children annually through high-quality, outcomes-driven behavioral health, early childhood, and enrichment services. With over $30 million in annual funding, the organization provides children and their families with the support they need to overcome adversity, thrive, and pursue their dreams.

Northside has been a staple of the Harlem community since its founding in 1946 and a pioneer at the intersection of education and behavioral health for Black and Latino children. Several of its programs were the first in Harlem and established the standard of care for many social service agencies. Northside’s founders, Doctors Kenneth, and Mamie Clark were psychologists whose breakthrough Black/White Doll Study was used as evidence in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared public school segregation unconstitutional. The philosophy behind this landmark decision, now on its 70^th anniversary, continues to inspire Northside to create and drive innovative programs that focus on the strengths of families and the importance of children’s self-esteem.

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit https://www.northsidecenter.org/about/.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Site Supervisor/Activity Specialist is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the COMPASS Afterschool program site while also facilitating enrichment activities for participants. This dual role ensures the program provides a safe, engaging, and structured environment that promotes academic support, social-emotional growth, and enrichment aligned with DYCD standards.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Site Supervision & Program Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the COMPASS program site, ensuring compliance with all DYCD, DOHMH, and Northside Center policies.
• Supervise and support activity specialists, group leaders, and assistants to ensure proper classroom management, safety, and delivery of program curriculum.
• Monitor student attendance, behavior, and engagement; maintain accurate attendance and incident logs in accordance with DYCD requirements.
• Serve as point of contact for families, school staff, and community partners; maintain positive relationships and clear communication.
• Ensure mandated staff-to-student ratios are maintained at all times.
• Assist Program Director with staff scheduling, training, and professional development.
• Uphold emergency preparedness, health, and safety procedures.

Activity Specialist Duties (with Chess Specialty)

• Plan, design, and facilitate age-appropriate chess activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Integrate creative and educational approaches into lessons to support both beginner and advanced players.
• Incorporate social-emotional learning strategies into activities to encourage positive peer interactions.
• Adapt lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs and abilities.
• Support participants in building confidence, discipline, and perseverance through structured play.

QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Child Development, Recreation, or related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with school-age children in an afterschool, summer camp, or youth development setting.
• Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Experience teaching or facilitating chess instruction to children (or strong willingness to train in chess curriculum).
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.
• Must clear all DYCD, DOHMH, and SCR background checks prior to start.