Youthlink Activity Specialist - Academic (Armory Center)

Position: Youthlink Activity Specialist- Academic

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:

We are looking for part-time Academic Activity Specialists who are responsible for providing high-quality academic support and enrichment opportunities that help high school youth strengthen foundational skills, improve academic confidence, and achieve their educational goals. Specialists provide individualized and small-group tutoring in core math and ELA subjects and support students with college readiness preparation, including SAT and ACT test preparation.

The Youthlink Activity Specialist will report to the Teen Supervisor and be supported by the Youthlink Director.

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 individualized and small-group academic tutoring support in core subject areas, including English Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and other areas based on student needs and program priorities.

1. Facilitate college readiness activities, including SAT and ACT preparation, study skills development, test-taking strategies, and academic goal-setting to support students’ post-secondary aspirations.

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.

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

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

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

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

The Commitment

Able to work (varies by site)

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.