Career Coach

About The Organization

The Police Athletic League (or PAL) is New York City’s largest independent youth development organization. We operate diverse programs from Head Start, Day Car and Universal Pre-K programs; to elementary and middle school after-school programs, summer day camps and summer Playstreets. We run evening teen centers and college readiness programs, as well as youth employment and juvenile justice programs. In its over a century of service, PAL is continuing its evolution and remains a vibrant and vital New York City institution.

Position Summary

The Career Coach is responsible for providing direct support, guidance, and supervision to youth participating in PAL’s Youth Employment programs. The Career Coach will facilitate workforce development, career readiness, educational, leadership, and enrichment activities designed to help adolescents develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace and pursue their educational and career goals. The Career Coach will support program operations at assigned PAL Centers and/or within an assigned borough and may be required to travel throughout the five boroughs with program participants. The position requires a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, local and out-of-state trips, and special events. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, engaging, and comfortable working directly with adolescents. The Career Coach must demonstrate strong communication, critical thinking, documentation, and relationship-building skills and be committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all participants.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Program Implementation: Plan and implement Youth Employment programming at assigned PAL Centers and/or within an assigned borough, including career readiness, job readiness, educational, leadership, and enrichment activities.
• Youth Engagement and Support: Provide direct service to participants through outreach, instruction, mentoring, coaching, and individualized guidance.
• Recruitment and Enrollment: Support the recruitment, orientation, registration, and onboarding of participants to ensure programs maintain appropriate enrollment levels.
• Career Readiness: Facilitate workshops and activities that strengthen participants’ workplace readiness, including communication, professionalism, goal setting, interviewing, resume development, workplace expectations, and other career-related skills.
• Participant Development: Monitor and evaluate participant engagement, performance, progress, and achievement using Youth Employment Department tools and established program practices.
• Case Management and Documentation: Maintain accurate, complete, and organized participant records, including attendance, weekly schedules, student folders, case notes, progress reports, and other required documentation.
• Data and Compliance: Collect, enter, and maintain program and participant data in accordance with funding requirements, contractual obligations, and PAL’s internal systems and procedures.
• Program Quality and Improvement: Identify opportunities to strengthen programming and participant outcomes and make recommendations to improve program effectiveness and engagement.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain consistent and professional communication with participants, families, PAL staff, community partners, schools, employers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with Youth Employment staff and other PAL departments to implement programs, initiatives, events, and organizational priorities.
• Professional Development: Participate in required staff meetings, professional development, training sessions, and program improvement activities.
• Industry Knowledge: Remain current on workforce development practices, youth employment trends, career readiness strategies, and resources that support adolescent and young adult career development.
• Events and Travel: Participate in program trips, special events, workshops, and other activities, including local and occasional out-of-state travel with participants. Some evening and weekend availability may be required.
• Program Environment: Help maintain a safe, clean, organized, comfortable, and welcoming environment for participants, staff, families, and visitors.
• Other Duties: Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Youth Employment or other PAL leadership.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Workforce Development, Youth Development, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents or young adults in a youth development, education, workforce development, community-based, or similar setting preferred.
• Experience facilitating workshops, trainings, or educational activities preferred.
• Experience with youth employment or workforce development programs preferred.

Skills And Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to engage, motivate, and build positive relationships with adolescents.
• Strong understanding of youth development and/or workforce development principles.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Experience facilitating workshops or group activities; lesson planning experience is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate participant records and documentation.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and use of Microsoft Office or similar productivity tools.
• Ability to learn and effectively use program databases, case management systems, and other technology platforms.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Self-motivated, dependable, flexible, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive participant information appropriately.
• Commitment to providing high-quality educational, career development, and enrichment experiences to youth.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the five boroughs and occasionally out of state with participants.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and special events.

Compensation

$25.00 per hour