Enrichment Specialist (Goldie Maple Academy - Far Rockaway, Queens)
About The Position
The Police Athletic League of New York City is seeking a part-time Youthlink Activity Specialist to design and facilitate engaging enrichment experiences for high school participants. The specialist leads activities that inspire creativity, self-expression, exploration, confidence, collaboration, and skill development. Activities may include performing and visual arts, music, dance, creative writing, photography, crafts, gaming, and other recreational interests. The position is based at Goldie Maple Academy in Queens and reports to the Teen Supervisor, with support from the Youthlink Director. The specialist fosters participants’ social and emotional competencies and mental and physical well-being in a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment. They teach the fundamentals of their specialized activity, help participants build skills and confidence, and coordinate a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle. They also account for participants’ IEPs and medical conditions, follow support plans, respond appropriately to time-sensitive mental health needs, and make referrals to mental health services as needed. The specialist works collaboratively with program and school staff, builds positive relationships with youth and caretakers, maintains open communication with caretakers, and serves as a positive role model. The role requires attendance at 15 hours of pre-program orientation, 30 hours of Building Resiliency in Youth training, scheduled staff meetings, and professional development throughout the year. The start date is September 7, 2026.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least two years of experience working with high school-aged youth in after-school, educational, community-based, recreation, arts, or enrichment programs.
- Demonstrated experience or proficiency in at least one enrichment area, such as visual arts, theater, music, dance, photography, creative writing, digital arts, crafts, gaming, or another recreational or creative discipline.
- Excellent classroom management, behavior management, and facilitation skills.
- Demonstrated experience and competency in the material the candidate would like to teach; a sample lesson is part of the interview process.
- Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
- Ability to work hours that vary by site.
- Ability to attend required orientation, training, staff meetings, and professional development.
Nice To Haves
- Associate or bachelor's degree in fine arts, performing arts, education, youth development, recreation, human services, or a related field.
- Bilingual in Spanish, French, or Chinese.
- Openness to learning and growing.
Responsibilities
- Foster participants’ 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 develop their skills and confidence.
- Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle.
- Be aware of participants with IEPs and medical conditions and follow support plans to support their participation.
- Respond appropriately to time-sensitive mental health needs, including suicide prevention, grief, and loss, and 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 in demeanor, communication, and behavior.
- Attend meetings with staff, caretakers, volunteers, and community residents as needed.
- Interact with caretakers and maintain open lines of communication.
- Attend 15 hours of orientation before programming begins and complete 30 hours of Building Resiliency in Youth training.
- Attend scheduled staff meetings and professional development throughout the year.
- Integrate mental health, social-emotional learning, and special-needs inclusion skills into programming.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Flexible spending account options
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Pet insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement savings options
- Generous paid time off policy
- Training
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
