Youthlink Activity Specialist - Enrichment (Webster Center)

Position: Youthlink Activity Specialist- Enrichment

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 Youthlink Activity Specialists who will design and facilitate engaging, high-quality enrichment experiences that inspire creativity, self-expression, and skill development for high school participants. Specialists lead activities in areas such as performing arts, visual arts, music, dance, creative writing, photography, crafts, gaming, and other recreational interests that encourage exploration, confidence, and collaboration.

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. Teach participants the fundamentals of specialized activity to build their skill level and confidence.

1. Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle.

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.