Social Worker (Part-Time - Jamaica, Queens)

Who we are: The Police Athletic League (PAL) of New York City is an independent youth development nonprofit organization and has been a vibrant and vital institution, serving as an effective, critical bridge between police and communities across all five boroughs of the City since 1914. PAL operates diverse programs for children as young as 2 years old to young adults. Programs include Head Start, after-school programs and summer day camps for elementary, middle and high school youth, and summer Playstreets. PAL also runs evening teen centers and college readiness programs, youth employment, and juvenile justice programs. Staying true to PAL’s roots, a cornerstone of our youth development strategy includes offering competitive and recreational sports for children of all ages. At PAL, we’re devoted to empowering communities and building the best places to work, and that goes for our own teams too.

Position Summary:

PAL is seeking a Part-Time Social Worker to support the social-emotional well-being, healthy development, and overall success of high school youth participating in Youthlink programs. The Social Worker will provide individual and small-group support, facilitate social-emotional learning and wellness programming, identify youth who may benefit from additional support, and connect young people and families with appropriate school, community, and mental health resources. The Social Worker will build trusting relationships with youth and serve as a supportive resource for teens navigating challenges related to stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, family circumstances, relationships, school, and other social-emotional concerns. The Social Worker will work collaboratively with Youthlink staff, school personnel, families, mental health providers, and community partners to strengthen protective factors and ensure youth have access to appropriate supports.

The Part-Time Social Worker will report to the Teen Supervisor and receive additional support and supervision from the EBC Director and PAL leadership.

What you’ll do:

Major Duties & Responsibilities

1. Foster social and emotional competencies and mental and physical well-being in a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

1. Provide individual and small-group social-emotional support to youth experiencing challenges related to stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, family circumstances, peer relationships, school, or other concerns affecting their well-being and participation in programming.

1. Collaborate with program staff, school personnel, mental health professionals, and community partners to support youth wellness, maintain appropriate documentation, and ensure programming reflects the needs of participating teens.

1. Be aware of students with IEPs and medical conditions in your groups and follow support plans to help the student with special needs to thrive.

1. Respond appropriately when time-sensitive mental health services are needed such as suicide prevention, grief, and loss due to death or incarceration of a family member. Provide referrals to appropriate mental health services as needed.

2. Work cooperatively with Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, and other Program and school staff.

3. Build positive relationships with youth and caretakers and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.

4. Attend meetings with staff, caretakers, volunteers, and community residents as needed.

5. Interact with caretakers and keep open lines of communication.

The Commitment

Able to work 15 hours per week (Tuesday to Saturday 3 hours a day).

Able to attend 15 hours of orientation prior to the beginning of programming and complete 30 hours of Building Resiliency in Youth training.

Able to attend scheduled staff meetings and professional development throughout the year.