Activity Specialist (New South Bronx Center)

The Police Athletic League (PAL) of New York City is an independent youth development nonprofit organization serving children from as young as 2 years old to young adults across all five boroughs since 1914. Programs include Head Start, after-school programs, summer day camps, evening teen centers, college readiness, youth employment, juvenile justice initiatives, and competitive and recreational sports.

About the role

We are looking for Part-Time Activity Specialists to develop and implement a broad range of specialties: SEL, dance, sports, STEAM, life skills development, literacy, leadership, performing arts, visual arts, and college and career readiness. Specialists will oversee their area of expertise while collaborating with all staff and site leadership, reporting to the Program Director and supported by the Content Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Foster social and emotional competencies and mental and physical well-being in a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
• Teach participants the fundamentals of a specialized activity to build their skill level and confidence.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle.
• Be aware of students with IEPs and medical conditions in your groups and follow support plans to help them thrive.
• Respond appropriately to time-sensitive mental health needs 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.
• Work cooperatively with Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, and other program and school staff.
• Build positive relationships with youth and caretakers and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
• Attend meetings with staff, caretakers, volunteers, and community residents as needed.
• Interact with caretakers and keep open lines of communication.

Schedule

• Able to work 15 hours a week (3 hours a day, 5 days a week).
• Able to attend 15 hours of orientation prior to the beginning of programming.
• Able to attend scheduled staff meetings and professional development throughout the year.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma / GED.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum of two years' work experience in a non-profit agency working with youth.
• Excellent classroom management, behavior management, and facilitation skills.
• Must show experience and competency in the material you would like to teach (a sample lesson will be part of the interview process).
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish, French, or Chinese preferred.
• Open to learning and growing; all staff will learn mental health, SEL, and special needs inclusion skills and integrate them into programming.

Pay

The range for this role is $20–25.00 an hour, where the finalist falls in this range will be based on skills and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance.
• Flexible spending account options.
• Employee assistance program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Pet insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement savings options.
• Generous paid time off policy.
• Training and professional development opportunities.

Location: New South Bronx Center – Bronx, NY
Start Date: September 7th, 2026