Harlem Children’s Zone, Inc. (HCZ) is a multi-site, multi-program community organization that provides a unique and comprehensive interlocking network of education, social and health services, and recreation to more than 25,000 children and adults in Central Harlem. The majority of the children HCZ works with go to public schools and attend its engaging after-school programs. Whether in its Promise Academy charter schools or public schools, HCZ’s high standards and expectations are the same for all of its children—ensuring that all of them are on track to attend college and successfully graduate. HCZ’s overarching goal is to create a "tipping point" in the neighborhood so that children are surrounded by an enriching environment of college-oriented peers and supportive adults. Nationally and internationally recognized for its early and progressive intervention programs, HCZ has been lauded by The New York Times as “one of the most ambitious social-policy experiments of our time.”

The Harlem Armory is a 50,000-square-foot sports facility located at West 143rd Street.  It is a neighborhood health oasis that provides free health, fitness, and performing-arts programming for over 1,000 youth each week.  The facility is staffed with experts from various sports and health-related fields that provide guidance and instruction about quality exercise, improving overall fitness, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  The Armory offers classes and programs that include:  elementary through high school after-school tutoring and enrichment; tennis; gymnastics; dance; track and field; computer labs; teen groups; youth weight loss groups; basketball; and golf, to name a few.  The facility serves as the primary hub for all HCZ programs with limited space for sports and physical activities.

We are seeking part-time Sports and Recreation Specialists to work at selected HCZ after-school program sites. They will work at a designated program location and will be part of a wellness team dedicated to improving nutrition and increasing physical activity for students at their respective site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organize and lead daily physical activity for students, grades Pre-K through 12
• Provide consistent motivation, enthusiasm, and role modeling for healthy lifestyle choices
• Conduct health assessments to determine overall health status of all youth (e.g., height, weight, PACER endurance test)
• Document student activities, participation, and services provided
• Assist with special projects and events
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years experience implementing physical activities and coaching in school-based, after-school, and/or community-based settings
• Comfortable working in various urban settings and with diverse populations
• Team-oriented with strong organizational and collaborative skills
• Adapts well to changes in assignment and priorities with the ability to respond effectively to new information, changing conditions, and unexpected obstacles
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Must be available to work after-school hours and evenings, as well as attend trainings during out-of-program hours
• Willingness to model Healthy Harlem standards of nutrition and activity and personally demonstrating the caliber of performance and behavior that is expected of the staff and students

To be considered, interested applicants must submit a COVER LETTER AND RESUME.  No telephone inquiries or recruiters please.  Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants.  HCZ is an EOE. 

Required Skills Required Experience