About the Organization

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education is a youth, family and community serving organization in the Hunts Point and Longwood sections of the South Bronx. We were established in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda who observed waves of Spanish-speaking people pouring in from Puerto Rico and in desperate need of services. While settlement houses were in place to address the needs of the poor, this population was made up of predominantly European immigrants. Seeing the barriers and isolation that Spanish-speaking people were confronting, Claire, Elizabeth, and Sister Mary provided essential nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support. What they could not know at the time is that they were championing social justice for what would become one of America’s most historically marginalized groups. For 91 years, Casita Maria has expanded its population base to serve everyone in the community and continues to serve as a gathering place for hope and enrichment through arts, culture, and education. Currently, Casita Maria has approximately 15 full-time employees and approximately 35-40 part-time assistant program coordinators, group leaders, and teaching artists who lead after-school and summer camp programs. and elevate youth, families, and communities through arts, culture, and education.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the COMPASS Elementary and Middle School Program Coordinators, Activity Specialists are responsible for the planning, organization, and implementation of high-quality enrichment activities for Casita’s youth. Specialists may lead programming across a variety of fields, including STEAM, Athletics, Dance, Visual Arts, Leadership, Wellness, or other specialty areas that support youth development.

The Activity Specialist should be passionate about working with young people and enthusiastic about creating engaging, developmentally appropriate projects during after-school hours. They must be able to design activities that inspire creativity, build skills, and encourage teamwork while fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Pick-up participants from assigned schools, building strong, positiverelationships through trust, respect, and teamwork.
2. Under the direction of the Director of Education and Program Coordinators,develop, design, plan, teach and facilitate age-appropriate athletic, recreational,STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Athletics, and Math), andlife-skill activities that encourage growth and development.
3. Teach and reinforce fundamentals of sports and physical recreation (e.g.,basketball, fitness, recreational games) while promoting teamwork andsportsmanship.
4. Provide constant supervision to ensure the safety, well-being, and inclusion ofall participants, and adapt activities and instructional methods to meet diverse needs, abilities, and interests.
5. Organize, lead, and oversee structured games, tournaments, and special eventsthat promote youth engagement and skill progression.
6. Mentor and guide program assistants and youth workers, encouraging activeparticipation, respect, leadership, and healthy lifestyle choices.
7. Promote social-emotional learning by integrating activities that build life skills, conflict resolution, and drug prevention awareness.
8. Communicate regularly with supervisors, parents, and partner organizations to support youth success and strengthen community relationships.
9. Maintain accurate records, complete required reports, adhere to procedures in a proactive, positive manner, and follow all agency policies and safety protocols.
10. Actively participate in professional development, training sessions, and staff meetings to continually improve program quality.
11. Use open-ended questions, allow for student choice, use appropriate encouragement techniques, and ensure that students are always engaged.
12. Maintain a well organized workspace ensuring clean up of studios daily. Communicate to Program Coordinators any needs for supplies or equipment.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

• A minimum of two years of academic preparation in physical education, athleticcoaching, performing & visual Arts, STEAM, or other equivalent training.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in a non-profit youth or social service agency with supervisory experience.
• A high school diploma or GED.
• Excellent written and communication skills with the ability to meet deadlines andprioritize tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively, in a fast-paced, arts and education-focused environment–with a sense of humor.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Utilizing the Creative Youth Development framework, ability to teach in a hands-on, experiential learning style and inspire students to reach for higher-level outcomes.
• Highly motivated, detail oriented, ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience and/or willingness to work with children with educational or special needs.
• Experience with the Department of Youth and Community Development a plus.
• Successful candidates will need to pass a background check including DOE DOHMH fingerprint, clearance, and medical examination.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and interacts with children and young people.
• Requires significant standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, and physical activity.
• Works in an in-office and classroom (studio) environment.
• Willingness to perform activities outdoors and/or during inclement weather.
• Must be patient/willing to wait, utilize modeling behavior, be consistent in scheduling and attendance, and act quickly in emergencies.

Work Hours

The Activity Specialist will work part-time Mondays and Fridays, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM in

an in-office, after-school environment in the South Bronx (Casita Maria’s principal

program site and offices). The Activity Specialist should be prepared to work some

weekends and/or evenings as needed or scheduled in advance.

Compensation

Salary range for this opportunity is $25-30 per hour commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Casita Maria offers its part-time employees short and long-term disability insurance,

Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter benefits, a 403(b)

plan, sick days (40 hours annually), and 8 paid holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Casita Maria welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage

candidates from the local community to apply for our Activity Specialist role.

The Activity Specialist can expect to work in an environment that roots its after-school

staff and program in transparency, physical and psychological safety, and whose 91

years of championing social justice is not just a statement but our story. We value staff

who are thoughtful, curious, and committed to building systems that support equitable

access to the arts and education for all.

How to Apply

Email the required items below to hr@casitamaria.org with Activity Specialist/Your Name

in the subject line. Candidates who do not submit the below will not be considered.

1. Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in Casita Maria.

2. Resume/CV.

3. A writing sample or portfolio.

4. Contact information for three professional references.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be

unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. We appreciate your flexibility in

advance.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Content Specialist

Reports To: Director of Education & Programs

Department: Education

Part-Time In-Person

Status: Non-Exempt

Date: January 2026

About the Organization

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education is a youth, family and community serving organization in the Hunts Point and Longwood sections of the South Bronx. We were established in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda who observed waves of Spanish-speaking people pouring in from Puerto Rico and in desperate need of services. While settlement houses were in place to address the needs of the poor, this population was made up of predominantly European immigrants. Seeing the barriers and isolation that Spanish-speaking people were confronting, Claire, Elizabeth, and Sister Mary provided essential nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support. What they could not know at the time is that they were championing social justice for what would become one of America’s most historically marginalized groups.

For 92 years, Casita Maria has expanded its population base to serve everyone in the community and continues to serve as a gathering place for hope and enrichment through arts, culture, and education. Currently, Casita Maria has approximately 15 full-time employees and approximately 35-40 part-time assistant program coordinators, group leaders, and teaching artists who lead after-school and summer camp programs. 

About the Opportunity 

Under the supervision of and in coordination with the Director of Education & Programs, the Content Specialist is responsible for the creation and implementation of a program curriculum that aligns with Casita Maria's Creative Youth Development framework and meets contractual requirements for after-school programming, as well as an exciting and rich summer camp experience. The Content Specialist will take a holistic approach to the creation of youth-driven activities that allow for creative expression while nurturing youth participants’ inherent talents. Additionally, the Content Specialist will play a role in providing a safe and healthy space allowing for positive relationship building.

The Content Specialist will be supported by a team of Education professionals including the Director of Education & Programs, Program Coordinators, Group Facilitators, and Teaching Artists. Team members also collaborate with other department leaders including Creative Arts. 

Primary Responsibilities

1. In partnership with the Director of Education and Programs, design and develop curricula and lesson plans for Fall, Spring, and Summer, aligned with DYCD standards, STEAM, and Creative Youth Development frameworks. 
2. Plan and facilitate theme-based culminating events that showcase student learning and creativity. 
3. Provide training, coaching, and professional development to staff, Teaching Artists, Interns, and Volunteers. 
4. Ensure program curricula align with school-day goals, DOE standards, and Casita Maria’s mission. 
5. Integrate best practices and educational trends to strengthen program design and impact. 
6. Identify and manage instructional resources, books, supplies, and technology to support effective teaching. 
7. Reinforce youth development philosophies that promote literacy, SEL, and positive identity development. 
8. Deliver individualized and group academic support tailored to youth needs. 
9. Conduct staff observations, evaluations, and coaching sessions to improve instructional practice. 
10. Collaborate with directors, family support staff, and community partners to connect families with needed services. 
11. Support assessment and data collection to inform lesson planning and continuous program improvement. 
12. Maintain open communication with supervisors, parents, and school staff while actively participating in training, meetings, and required events.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education preferred and 3-5 years experience (including managerial or teaching experience in NYC public schools). 
• 2 years of direct experience working with children under 13 years of age. 
• Familiarity with NYC and NYS funded programs including but not limited to DYCD, Empire, and Advantage. 
• Supervisory and team-building experience. 
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills; clear verbal communication skills required. 
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, discretion, and professionalism. 
• Ability to work collaboratively, quickly, and under pressure—with a sense of humor. 
• Ability to meet deadlines, attend meetings and prioritize tasks. 
• Strong computer skills; knowledge of Google Drive and other standard business technology is required. 
• Bilingual – Spanish/English a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and interacts with children and young people. 
• Requires significant standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, and physical activity. 
• Works in an in-office and classroom (studio) environment. 
• Willingness to perform activities outdoors and/or during inclement weather. 
• Must be patient/willing to wait, utilize modeling behavior, be consistent in scheduling and attendance, and act quickly in emergencies.

Work Hours 

The Content Specialist will work part-time Mondays-Fridays, 2–6 PM in an in-office environment in the South Bronx (Casita Maria’s principal program site and offices). As a direct service organization, our remote work policy is extremely limited and subject to the Executive Director. The Content Specialist should be prepared to work some weekends and/or evenings as needed or scheduled in advance.

Compensation

Salary range for this opportunity is $38-40 per hour commensurate with experience. 

Benefits

Casita Maria offers its part-time employees short and long-term disability insurance, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter benefits, a 403(b) plan, Safe & Sick days (40 hours annually), and 8 paid holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Casita Maria welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates from the local community to apply for our Content Specialist role. 

The Content Specialist can expect to work in an environment that roots its after-school staff and program in transparency, physical and psychological safety, and whose 91 years of championing social justice is not just a statement but our story. We value staff who are thoughtful, curious, and committed to building systems that support equitable access to the arts and education for all.

How to Apply

Email the required items below to hr@casitamaria.org with Content Specialist/Your Name in the subject line. Candidates who do not submit the below will not be considered.

1. Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in Casita Maria. 
2. Resume/CV. 
3. A writing sample (e.g., lesson plan creation, etc.). 
4. Contact information for three professional references.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. We appreciate your flexibility in advance.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Group Facilitator

Reports To: Program Coordinators

Department: Education

Part-Time In-Person

Status: Non-Exempt

Date: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

About the Organization

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education is a youth, family and community serving organization in the Hunts Point and Longwood sections of the South Bronx. We were established in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda who observed waves of Spanish-speaking people pouring in from Puerto Rico and in desperate need of services. While settlement houses were in place to address the needs of the poor, this population was made up of predominantly European immigrants. Seeing the barriers and isolation that Spanish-speaking people were confronting, Claire, Elizabeth, and Sister Mary provided essential nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support. What they could not know at the time is that they were championing social justice for what would become one of America’s most historically marginalized groups.

For 92 years, Casita Maria has expanded its population base to serve everyone in the community and continues to serve as a gathering place for hope and enrichment through arts, culture, and education. Currently, Casita Maria has approximately 15 full-time employees and approximately 35-40 part-time assistant program coordinators, group leaders, and teaching artists who lead after-school and summer camp programs. 

About the Opportunity

Casita Maria is seeking experienced, detail-oriented, enthusiastic Group Facilitators who thoroughly enjoy supporting young artists (participants) with care and professional role modeling. Group Facilitators serve as direct line staff during programming hours, and are responsible for leading in one or more STEAM disciplines, physical activities, or other activities that develop and strengthen academic, physical, and social emotional learning (SEL) for young people. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, supervision of participants at all times, providing academic support, facilitating activities, collaborating among teams, and developing lessons that are aligned with our Creative Youth Development (CYD) framework. 

Reporting to both Program Coordinators and Associate Program Coordinators, Group Facilitators are supported by a team of education professionals including Program Coordinators, Associate Program Coordinators, Activity and Content Specialists, and Teaching Artists.

Primary Responsibilities 

1. Supervise participants, aged Pre-K to middle school, transitioning from the school day into afterschool programming, including tracking attendance, overseeing snack distribution, transitions to activities and events, and with dismissal. 
2. Build age-appropriate relationships with participants that establish positive connections and rapport. 
3. Create and maintain a structured safe space (studio) that supports learning, growing, and social-emotional wellbeing. 
4. Log and report all daily attendance, behavioral issues, and emergency incidents. 
5. While working with Teaching Artists, appropriately support their work and encourage participants to engage in Teaching Artists’ led activities. 
6. In coordination with Content Specialists, develop engaging and age-appropriate lesson plans and instructional material in STEAM, civic engagement, physical recreation, arts & crafts, and literacy activities that encourage growth and exploration. 
7. Actively participate and attend weekly/bi-weekly/monthly team meetings and one-on-one coaching and professional development sessions. 
8. Model the principles of CYD in the studios and in the workplace at all times.
9. Co-facilitate team trainings and meetings in collaboration with Program Coordinators, Associate Program Coordinators, and Content Specialists.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

• High school diploma required 
• A minimum of 2 years direct service experience working with youth under 13 years of age.
• This position requires completion of a minimum 30 hours of training/professional development workshops that focus on youth development, safety, mandated reporter, social-emotional learning, lesson planning, and facilitation. 
• Excited to work in a fast-paced, arts and education-focused environment. 
• Loves working with children and young people particularly those with special needs. 
• Ability to work collaboratively at all levels of staff. 
• Excellent written and communication skills. 
• Good project management, organization, and deadline prioritization talents. 
• High integrity and emotional intelligence with the ability to handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately. 
• Good computer skills and knowledge of Google, Microsoft Office, and other standard business technology is encouraged. 
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends to support special events. 
• Bilingual – Spanish/English a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions 

• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and interacts with children and young people.
• Requires significant standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, and physical activity.
• Works in a classroom (studio) environment.
• Willingness to perform activities outdoors and/or during inclement weather. 
• Must be patient/willing to wait, utilize modeling behavior, be consistent in scheduling and attendance, and act quickly in emergencies. 

Work Hours

Group Facilitators will work part-time Mondays - Fridays, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM in an in-office environment in the South Bronx (Casita Maria’s principal program site and offices). This is a direct service position with no remote work options and where punctuality and attendance are critical. Group Facilitators should be prepared to work some weekends and/or evenings as needed or scheduled in advance.

Compensation

Salary range for this opportunity is $18-22 hourly commensurate with experience.  

Benefits

Casita Maria offers its part-time employees participation in the following benefits if eligible: Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; Commuter Benefits; 403(b); Safe and Sick Leave; FMLA and PFL; and 8 paid holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Casita Maria welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates from the local community to apply for our Group Facilitator role. 

The Group Facilitator  can expect to work in an environment that roots its after-school staff and program in transparency, physical and psychological safety, and whose 91 years of championing social justice is not just a statement but our story. We value staff who are thoughtful, curious, and committed to building systems that support equitable access to the arts and education for all.

How to Apply

Email the required items below to hr@casitamaria.org with Group Facilitator/Your Name in the subject line. Candidates who do not submit the below will not be considered.

1. Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in Casita Maria.
2. Resume/CV.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. We appreciate your flexibility in advance.

About the Organization

Casita Maria is a youth, family and community serving organization in the Hunts Point/Longwood section of the South Bronx. We were established in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda who observed waves of Spanish-speaking people pouring in from Puerto Rico and in desperate need of services. While settlement houses were in place to address the needs of the poor, this population was made up of predominantly European immigrants.  Seeing the disparity and isolation that Latinos were confronting, Claire, Elizabeth, and Sister Mary provided essential nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support.  What they could not know at the time is that they were championing social justice for what would become one of America’s most historically marginalized groups. Casita Maria’s mission is to enrich and elevate youth, families, and communities through arts, culture, and education.

About our After-School Program

Casita Maria follows a Creative Youth Development (CYD) framework where teaching artists and staff skillfully combine arts education with academic support and principles of positive youth development. This holistic approach enables young people to master artistic skills, excel academically, and express themselves creatively, while sharpening critical thinking skills, boosting their self-esteem, and ultimately emerging as leaders. 

For Casita Maria, CYD incorporates two vital components: expressive art and social emotional learning. Expressive art allows participants to use creative expression to communicate and overcome challenging emotions and experiences. Social emotional learning hones essential life skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 

About the Position

This is a direct service position requiring strong teaching and group facilitation skills fueled by a passion for arts, culture, and community. 

Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Teaching Artist will be responsible for creating and teaching a Music Appreciation curriculum following our Creative Youth Development framework informed by Social Emotional Learning.

SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

★ Self-Awareness

★ Self-Management

★ Social Awareness

★ Relationship Skills

★ Responsible Decision-Making

This is achieved by:

Young people asking questions

Opening Rituals

Closing Rituals: End of class reflections and share-outs

Group or partner collaborative art projects

Expressive art activities

Culturally informed teaching

The Teaching Artist will be supported by a team of professionals including the Artistic Director, Creative Youth Development Manager, and Director of Education and Programs. 

Overall Responsibilities 

• Develop a culturally relevant and tiered Syllabus for four classes in the fall. Modify and repeat the syllabus for four new classes in the Spring semester. The syllabus will build on artistic and SEL skills throughout the semester. Syllabus to include:   

1. Latin American Music history  taught through a contemporary context ex. unpack the historic and folkloric musical influences of a Bad Bunny song.
2. Incorporate multiple learning methods including: expressive music activities, overview of instruments, vocabulary, watching videos, listening to music, music theory basics, class reflections and foundational music skills in the discipline of your choice ex. guitar, percussion, piano, voice, violin.
3. Teach young artists about and celebrate the history, cultures and communities of the South Bronx through music while honoring Casita Maria’s 92 years of service to the community. 

• Informed by the syllabus, create and implement CYD Lesson Plans combining structured activities based on age and opportunities where young artists can play and explore through an expressive arts model. Lesson Plans to be submitted no less than four weeks in advance.
• Syllabus and Lesson Plans are created in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Creative Youth Development Manager and in consultation with the Director of Education and Programs. 
• Maintain a structured classroom environment focused on active participation that is conducive to learning while being flexible to respond to the needs of the young artists each session. Teaching Artists must be able to adapt to the needs of the class, tap into emotional regulation resources and move out of lessons as needed while still thinking about goals and objectives.
• Maintain clear safety protocols as per the design of the program.
• Promote the following values through your teaching: Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creative Innovation, Confidence, Celebration
• Set up and break down assigned Studio each session
• Assign tasks to Group Facilitators and Teen Arts Apprentices as needed to assist you in class.
• Attend professional development training and required meetings as necessary plus participate in all rehearsals and culminating events as assigned.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a strong track record of 3-5 years of teaching young artists K-12 in an urban after-school environment.
• Experience creating culturally relevant syllabi and lesson plans.
• Expertise in presenting culturally relevant and engaging visual and performing arts events in a community-based setting.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong teaching and group facilitation skills
• Demonstrated experience working with young artists in K-5 
• Expertise in developing an art curriculum for young artists
• Strong communication and classroom management skills are a must
• Highly motivated, joyful and energetic personality 
• Loves working with children and has a firm understanding of creative youth development 
• Passionate about Latin American music.
• Eager to work in a fast-paced arts and education environment with an energetic, positive and passionate team.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively, quickly and under pressure with a sense of humor.
• Must be organized, flexible and adaptable while teaching and during events. Must be able to make decisions and problem solve in the moment while maintaining composure plus provide follow up as needed.
• Integrity and professional discretion 
• Spanish language/writing skills are a plus but not mandatory.

Work Hours, Physical Requirements, and Working Conditions

Orientation: Sept 8-10, 2026

Start date: Sept. 14, 2026

End Date: June 11, 2026

• Generally, Teaching Artists work 2-3 week days in a school/community center environment. Additional hours for meetings and training from September - June to be added as required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum 30 pounds.
• Will be required to move and set up furniture/supplies/equipment in a room or outdoor event space. 
• May require the use of a ladder.
• Will require standing for long periods of time.
• Will require walking, lifting, stooping, and bending.
• Will require working during an outdoor event in May.
• Works in a school environment

Compensation

Hourly: $45 / hour

Benefits

Casita Maria offers its part time employees the following benefits: paid safe and sick leave, short-term and long-term disability insurance, Health and Dependent Care Savings Accounts, Commuter benefits, 403(b) Thrift plan and pension plan.  

Equal Employment Opportunity

Casita Maria is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applications will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We encourage candidates from the local community to consider applying for this employment opportunity.

How To Apply

Email a cover letter, resume and three related work samples to hr@casitamaria.org.  Please put Teaching Artist/Your Name in the subject line.