Position: Activity Specialist-Teen Center 

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: 

Responsible for developing a broad range of social, recreation and artistic activities that promote creativity, self-expression, teamwork, discipline, commitment, and fun learning.  In consultation with the Education Specialist and Center Director, plan, organize and manage related programs, staff and volunteers, and perform administrative duties that support and facilitate the above primary functions.

 

The Activity Specialist will report to the Center Director 

 

What you’ll do:

Model and uphold all Agency policies and procedures. Ensure that age-appropriate activities are implemented for youth in K-8th grades.  Plan, organize and oversee varied activities with the support of Center leadership staff, Group Leaders, volunteers, and other specialty staff.  At all times, ensure safety, structure and learning. Work with the Education Specialist to ensure activities align to NYS Education Standards and support the goals of the schools participants attend. Promote and stimulate interest and participation in all performing arts activities. Provide ideas and suggestions to the Education Specialist and Center Director for improving programs as often as possible.  When presenting a problem or offering constructive criticism, also present an alternative solution. Build positive relationships with youth and adults and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication and behavior.  Provide direction to staff in a manner that ensures that program areas are neat and clean, and that equipment and supplies are managed appropriately. Quickly identify and seek to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems in consultation with the program coordinator.

Additional Responsibilities

Plan and post activity schedules and evidence of work in approved areas. Make periodic reports/announcements on program activities and evaluate participation, progress and development of program youth. Responsible for the inventory, ordering, care and maintenance of all related supplies and equipment. File incident reports (accidents, injuries, altercations) no later than the day of the incident. When directed, attend meetings with staff, parents, volunteers and community residents as needed to assist in program delivery and promotion of programs. Interact with parents and keep open lines of communication to better understand and manage the children.